14/08/2026
๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ
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 โFrom Policy to Prosperity: Strengthening Local Economies amid Global Uncertainties,โ 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 Mayorsโ 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.
