MMSU Department of Economics

11/10/2026

28/09/2026

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿

The Department of Economics proudly congratulates 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗲 𝗕. 𝗜𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀 for representing the Department of Economics of Mariano Marcos State University, as an International Invited Speaker at the 𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗷𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗶𝘀, 𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶 (𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗕𝗔) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business of 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗚𝗥𝗜 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗻 (𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗣𝗠𝗔), 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮. Held online on September 19, 2026, the international seminar brought together invited speakers from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines to share insights on innovation, sustainability, and development.

During the forum, Assoc. Prof. Ilacas delivered his presentation on "𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆," contributing the Department's expertise to an international academic exchange that fosters research collaboration and meaningful dialogue across borders.

21/09/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🤝

The Department of Economics of the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA), Mariano Marcos State University successfully conducted its 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 from 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟳-𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen the BS Economics program and gather valuable insights for future academic initiatives.

The benchmarking brought together faculty representatives for meaningful engagements with the 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗖𝗖), 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, and 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘀 𝗕𝗮ñ𝗼𝘀. Through presentations, consultations, and exchanges with academic leaders and faculty members, the Department gained valuable insights on curriculum innovation, outcomes-based education, AUN-QA practices, research development, extension initiatives, faculty development, and student learning strategies.

Beyond learning from established institutions, the benchmarking served as a platform for exchanging best practices in Economics education and identifying potential areas for future academic engagement that may be explored through subsequent discussions. The insights gathered will serve as valuable references in the Department's ongoing curriculum review and program development efforts.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this benchmarking activity possible, especially our alumni and supporters whose generosity contributed to its successful conduct.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀:

Hon. Maynard Francis R. Bumanglag
Hon. Kichel Jomarie G. Pungtilan
Ms. Hazel Ancheta Dalere
Mr. Marco Polo Narciso
Mr. Marvin E. Bolo
Mr. Arvee Christian Valdez
Mr. Danse Cyrus Darisan
Mr. Joy Christian Bumanglag

12/09/2026

𝐂𝐁𝐄𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Department of Economics of MMSU-CBEA conducted benchmarking activities with four leading higher education institutions (HEIs) from September 8 to 10, 2026, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen its academic program and institutional practices.

The three-day benchmarking visits brought the team to the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, De La Salle University-Manila, and University of the Philippines-Los Baños. Discussions and exchanges focused on curriculum enhancement, the possible offering of additional undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, research and community engagement, linkages and partnerships, and faculty development.

The activity also forms part of the department’s preparations for the possible pursuit of AUN-QA certification, allowing the faculty to gain insights into quality assurance practices, academic standards, and mechanisms for continuous program improvement aligned with regional and international benchmarks.

All faculty members of the Department of Economics participated in the benchmarking activities, together with CBEA OIC Dean Emil James P. Tanagon, reflecting the college’s collective commitment to strengthening the department and advancing the quality of Economics education at MMSU.

The initiative underscores MMSU-CBEA’s commitment to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and internationalization, as the Department of Economics moves toward becoming a more responsive, innovative, and competitive program in the region and beyond.

25/08/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗜𝗩 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀!

Your attainment of the highest program accreditation status from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) for the two degree programs is a result of the culture of excellence that has defined CBEA as a college.

With this achievement, may CBEA keep soaring toward greater heights and continuously stand as proof of the quality of education that Mariano Marcos State University is known for.

Greetings from MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., and the entire university community.

22/08/2026

𝐁𝐒 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐒 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐕 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Economics programs of MMSU-CBEA have successfully retained their Level IV accreditation from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACUP). The accreditation is valid for five years, from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2031.

The continued Level IV accreditation affirms MMSU’s commitment to sustaining high standards of academic quality, instruction, and program delivery, and to providing students with relevant and quality education in accountancy and economics.

The College expresses its gratitude to the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders who contributed to this significant achievement.

14/08/2026

Congratulations, Ma'am Kristel Lyn. 🥳👏👏👏

14/08/2026

𝐂𝐁𝐄𝐀-𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬, 𝐏𝐂𝐋 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Strengthening the academe-government partnership in advancing local economic development, the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (MMSU-CBEA) Department of Economics and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Ilocos Norte Chapter successfully collaborated in the Ilocos Norte Economic Forum held on August 7, 2026, at the SM City Laoag Event Center.

The economic forum was spearheaded as part of the 120th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Governor Roque B. Ablan, Sr., a distinguished Ilocano leader and former governor of Ilocos Norte. Anchored on the theme “From Policy to Prosperity: Strengthening Local Economies amid Global Uncertainties,” the forum provided a platform for local government officials, economic practitioners, members of the academe, and students to exchange insights on strengthening local economies amid emerging global challenges.

The forum featured discussions on MSMEs and Local Investment Promotion and Future-Ready Communities, providing participants with insights relevant to local economic planning, investment, entrepreneurship, and community development.

The event was attended by officials from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and various municipalities and cities, as well as CBEA faculty members and students of the BS Economics program. MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Fides Bernardo A. Bitanga were also present, underscoring the University's support for initiatives that strengthen its engagement with local government and development stakeholders.

The partnership was further highlighted by the participation of CBEA faculty and alumni in the program. CBEA faculty member Dr. Margarita G. Hilario of the Department of Business Administration served as one of the discussants. PCL-IN Chapter President Hon. Kichel Jomarie G. Pungtilan, City Councilor of Batac, who delivered the opening remarks, is an alumna of the Economics program. Another CBEA Economics alumnus, Hon. Maynard Francis R. Bumanglag, Vice Mayor of Pinili, Ilocos Norte and National President of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines, also exemplifies the program's contribution to local and national public leadership.

The event builds on the momentum of the Economic Forum conducted by CBEA in February 2026 at SM City Laoag, which provided a platform for discussions on economic issues and local development. The latest forum demonstrates how that initiative has evolved into a broader collaboration with local government leaders and stakeholders through the PCL-Ilocos Norte Chapter.

For Ilacas and Tanagon, the successful conduct of the forum represents a significant milestone for CBEA and a strong affirmation of the value of partnerships beyond the classroom. Their collaboration with PCL-Ilocos Norte demonstrates how academic institutions and local government organizations can work together in advancing informed policymaking and responsive local governance.

For MMSU-CBEA, the successful collaboration marks another significant achievement in its continuing commitment to engage government, industry, and the community in creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, student development, and inclusive economic progress.

From policy to prosperity, MMSU-CBEA and PCL-Ilocos Norte continue to strengthen partnerships for the future of local economies.

12/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | MMSU to launch first PCC academic hub in Region 1

By Benedict Jay Collado

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on August 11, Mariano Marcos State University, through the Department of Economics at the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy, is set to host the first Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Academic Hub in the Ilocos Region.

The academic hub, a collaborative academic partnership between PCC and Philippine universities, aims to advance knowledge in competition economics, law, and policy within higher education.

It will primarily help students understand market rivalries and their impact on pricing, innovation, and consumer choice, while opening new opportunities to study microeconomics and how the government should create rules to regulate competition.

The initiative is part of the PCC Academic Hubs Project, a component of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Capacity Building to Foster Competition Project (CBFCP).

Under the newly signed agreement, MMSU will serve as a partner Higher Education Institution (HEI) working with PCC to build academic capacity and uphold research in market competition. According to Mr. Edgardo Manuel Jopson, MMSU is the second HEI to sign an agreement with PCC for academic hubs, and the first in the region.

The pact emphasized that the MMSU-Department of Economics will integrate competition economics, law, and policy into course syllabi in relevant courses and will include co-developed courses in its regular academic offerings beyond the initial pilot phase in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Students and faculty will also gain access to PCC academic research platforms and relational web-based databases to expand academic research capabilities. Along with this, the MOA will open up pathways for visiting research fellowships, joint policy studies, and PCC On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities for BS Economics students.

PCC Director Carlos L. Vega, in his speech, highlighted the importance of this agreement to both PCC and MMSU. “This memorandum of agreement is not aimed to restrict output or dampen innovation; it's quite the opposite. We aim to combine our technical competencies to increase output and spur innovative thinking.”

Dr. Vega also emphasized that this initiative aims to further enrich knowledge in competition economics. “We also want to expand output in the form of knowledge creation in competition economics, particularly in industrial organization”.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. shared that this collaboration will significantly benefit the students of the university. “We firmly believe that every partnership brings added value to MMSU. By signing this agreement, we are not merely formalizing a document; we are committed to creating a lasting impact and legacy for our stakeholders”.

https://www.mmsu.edu.ph/article/news/3133/mmsu-to-launch-first-pcc-academic-hub-in-region-1