Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) is the lone State University in La Union, Philippines.

Sprawled on a 1,120–hectare land area, DMMMSU was created through Presidential Decree 1778 on January 15, 1981, by Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Founded on the philosophy of “total human development with appropriate competencies,” DMMMSU was born from the merging of five (5) former schools in La Union, namely:

•        Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State College at Bacnotan;

•        La Union School of Arts and Trade at the City of San Fernando;

•        Community College of La Union at the City of San Fernando;

•        Southern Ilocos Polytechnic State College at Agoo; and

•        Sapilang Elementary School at Bacnotan.

Helping transform lives and communities through high-quality education, DMMMSU maintains three major campuses: the North La Union Campus in Bacnotan, the Mid La Union Campus in San Fernando City, and the South La Union Campus, which is spread in the towns of Agoo, Sto. Tomas, and Rosario, La Union. DMMMSU also houses the Open University System that caters to the needs of lifelong learners as well as learners with disabilities, OFWs, working students, and solo parents, among others.

DMMMSU is the proud home of two national centers – the National Apiculture Research, Training, and Development Institute (NARTDI), which is a leading authority in beekeeping and honey production, and the Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI), which is dedicated to advancing silk production. 

The university also houses the Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI), the DMMMSU Pig Extension and Research Farm (DPERF), the Lam-ang Institute, the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC), and the Agri-Aqua Technology Incubation Center (ATBI). These centers, along with other research and training institutes, contribute significantly to DMMMSU’s reputation as a hub of innovation and excellence.

DMMMSU is firmly rooted in seven core values: service, productivity, excellence, commitment, innovativeness, advocacy, and leadership. Its mandate is to provide high-quality instruction, research, and extension, with the unwavering goal of transforming human resources into productive, self-reliant citizens and responsible leaders. 

Living with its mantra, embracing world-class standards, and through the strong leadership of the current President, Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., DMMMSU has been recognized by national and international quality assurance organizations. It aspires to be a globally competitive University, a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future.

On November 19, 2020, DMMMSU passed ISO 9001: 2015. It covered all the processes in instruction, research, extension, and support services. 

In 2021, DMMMSU passed the 1st Surveillance Audit, and received the certificate attesting that the University QMS conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. 

Also, DMMMSU’s North La Union Campus passed the Institutional Sustainability Assessment by the Commission on Higher Education.

Adding feathers to its cap, DMMMSU earned an institutional rating of 3 Stars from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in 2022. 

On September 21, 2023, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) conferred on DMMMSU the PRIME-HRM Bronze Award – a proof that DMMMSU has excellent processes in recruitment, selection, and placement; performance management; learning and development; and rewards and recognition.

Following its outstanding debut in the prestigious World University with Real Impact (WURI) Ranking in 2023, DMMMSU soared higher in the 2024 rankings, securing the 198^th place among the Global Top 300 Innovative Universities. The university landed 16^th in the Cultural/ Values category, 18^th in the Generative AI application category, and 20^th in the Leadership category.

Aside from WURI rankings, DMMMSU is recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 SDG Impact Rankings, reflecting its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DMMMSU ranks first in Region 1 and sixth in the Philippines for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 or Life Below Water, highlighting its efforts in marine conservation. The university’s top position underscores its effective efforts in advancing sustainable management of marine resources, protecting coastal ecosystems, and combating marine pollution.

DMMMSU also gained recognition for its contributions to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals), reflecting its commitment to fostering strong institutions and building effective partnerships, highlighting the university’s strategic role in achieving a collective vision for progress and development.

DMMMSU maintains five CHED Centers of Development: the three Teacher Education Programs, the Information Technology Program, and the Computer Science Program. It also holds two provincial institutes and two TESDA-recognized assessment centers.

DMMMSU has 107 academic programs. On top of that is the recently approved Doctor of Medicine Program, establishing DMMMSU as the first institution to offer medicine school in the province of La Union. 

In addition, the University boasts of 21 academic programs that have been reaccredited to Level IV status by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP). These are: 

Because of DMMMSU’s rigorous engagement in accreditation endeavors, AACCUP recognized DMMMSU as Top 3 in the Highest Number of Level IV Accredited Programs in 2019, Top 3 in the Highest Number of Level I Accredited Programs in 2021, Top 2 in the Highest Number of Level III Accredited Programs and Top 1 in the Highest Number of Level IV Accredited Programs in 2020.

DMMMSU implements vital programs for faculty, staff, and student development. It initiates numerous training sessions to upskill, cross-skill, equip, and empower its teaching and nonteaching personnel.

DMMMSU continues to build state-of-the-art infrastructure projects equipped with cutting-edge tools, equipment, and machinery to provide a quality environment and ensure quality processes.

Because of its quality curriculum, quality processes, and quality academic environment, DMMMSU has produced quality graduates who are among the most preferred in the Philippines and abroad. What’s more, DMMMSU maintains excellent performances in various licensure examinations. 

In fact, DMMMSU has produced topnotchers in national board examinations in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Master Electrician, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Fisheries,  Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Nursing, Midwifery, and Teacher Education.

In September 2019, DMMMSU was also recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission as the country’s Top 8th Performing School in Electrical Engineering and was named as the Most Outstanding Mechanical Engineering School in North Luzon in 2023.

Moreover, DMMMSU’s Institute of Criminal Justice Education (ICJE) was recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission as one of the Top 10 criminology schools in the Philippines in February 2024.

As surveyed by the Commission on Higher Education in 2001, DMMMSU ranked among the Top Ten Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines and seventh among the more than a thousand private and public colleges and universities in the Philippines. Areas evaluated were faculty, student admission, library, academic offerings, research, and extension. 

DMMMSU was also listed in the CHED 2011-2016 Roadmap for Public Higher Education Reform as one of the 19 Leading State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines.

DMMMSU’s research program is one of the most extensive programs in Northern Luzon. Its robust research and development agenda signifies a dynamic, forward-thinking institution committed to groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations. 

In addition, DOST-PCAARRD has named DMMMSU as the Top Intellectual Property Filer. Demonstrating its commitment to pioneering research and technological advancements, DMMMSU stands as one of the Top 3 IP filers in the Philippines. These accolades underscore the University’s dedication to developing groundbreaking solutions and commitment to helping improve the country’s innovation ecosystem. 

Meanwhile, the University’s extension programs impact the life of the clientele in terms of productivity, profitability, and services for the enhancement of local governments and non-government organizations. 

DMMMSU Techno Pinoy, also known as Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS), has been named by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) as one of the active and functional centers in the country. Also, Kapihan sa DMMMSU, an extension program that is aired online, has been reaching thousands of clientele.

From world-class academics to groundbreaking research and impactful community outreach, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) is committed to fulfilling its vital role in the country’s national development. Through its dedicated efforts in education, research, and community service, DMMMSU continues to shape future generations, cultivate a culture of research and innovation, bridge gaps between communities, and promote progress across the nation.

(Updated on July 16, 2024 by Strategic Communications Office)

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