MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY (Main)
By: Atty. Rashid Vedra Pandi
Director, Presidential Management Staff, Office of MSU President
Mindanao State University Main Campus, Marawi City, secured the 10th Best spot in the Top Philippine University Rankings on EduRank 2024 published on February 29, 2024. MSU Marawi is the youngest and the only university in Mindanao that is so highly rated.
MSU-IIT ranked 29th in the country.
EduRank.org is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries that uses the world’s largest scholarly database with 98,302,198 scientific publication and 2,149,512,106 citations to rank universities across 246 research topics.
Institutions were assessed based on research performance, non-academic reputation and notable alumni score.
Moreover, MSU Marawi secures the Top No. 1 place among Best Universities in Mindanao. The University of Mindanao in Davao City ranked 2nd while the MSU IIT ranked 4th in Mindanao, respectively.
MSU Main 60th Commencement Exercises
On February 26, 2024, MSU Main held the 60th Commencement Exercises with Assistant Secretary Gerard C. Bravo of the Department of Budget and Management as its Commencement Speaker.
It was a moment of triumph, achievement and endless possibilities as the proud graduates stepped into the new beginnings of their lives.
Graduates of Batch Madasigon officially recognized their completion through the University 60th Commencement Exercise for the 1st Semester, AY 2023-2024.
Academic Excellence awardees were recognized by the University President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno consisting of 13 Magna Cum Laude, 78 Cum Laude, 4 With High Honors, 25 With Honors and 7 With Academic Distinctions.
Class Valedictorian Ali H. Y. Batugan delivered his valedictory address, highlighting how success comes from hard work and comes in unexpected moments. This was followed by Pledge of Loyalty to the Alma Mater headed by Class Salutatorian Norhana A. Saumay.
Symbolized by their batch name, Batch Madasigon emphasizes firm zeal and perseverance manifested by the graduates as they overcome overwhelming challenges.
More Student Enrollment In MSU Main In the Second Semester, AY 2023-2024, Despite the Unfortunate Bombing Incident in December 2023
More students enrolled despite the bombing incident. This reflects resilience, determination and commitment of the students to their education and personal growth.
The University has renowned faculty, strong academic reputation, offers high quality programs and provides valuable opportunities for learning and career progression.
The University community provides its students an environment of belonging, solidarity and mutual support to cope and to navigate various challenges they face.
After the Tragic Bombing in the Campus:
- Launching of the Panginam Healing and Wellness Center
To provide psychosocial support and to safeguard mental health, Special Order No. 156-OP, 2024 series, created the Panginam Healing and Wellness Center.
The Center provides access by students and staff to professional counselors, therapists and mental health professionals trained in trauma-informed care. The creation of the Center fosters healing and promotes care, support and well being.
- Walkthrough scanners are equipped with metal detection technology that can detect weapons, explosives and other similar dangerous items.
By screening individuals entering the event venue, the scanners shall prevent unauthorized weapons and prohibited materials from being brought to campus.
In combination with bag checks, ID verification, and other security measures, the scanners shall ensure comprehensive security screening to mitigate potential risk effectively.
3. Using K9 Dogs as Part of University Safety Protocols
K9 dogs are trained well to detect explosives with remarkable accuracy. Thus the presence of K9 units shall deter individuals planning acts of violence or terrorism on campus.
Deploying K9 dogs into the University safety protocol significantly enhances security.
The University administration, Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur and the City Government of Marawi City provided food packs and groceries to students in the dormitories. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Services and Development – BARMM distributed hygiene kits and food supplies.
The provision of food packs and groceries fostered a sense of community and solidarity and sent a message to the students that they are not alone in their struggles. The University community demonstrated its support for one another through times of adversity and difficult times.
To ensure implementation success and efficiency of the new upgraded traffic system, Special Order No. 159-OP, Series 2024 created a Working Committee.
Restricted access points and designated routes shall deter unauthorized vehicles and security threats, thus enhancing campus safety.
Rerouting traffic away from residential buildings, libraries, and academic facilities shall minimize noise pollution on campus.
Reallocating road space to pedestrians, providing crosswalks and sidewalks and reducing vehicular speed shall encourage walking as mode of transportation in the campus.
Student Extra Curricular Activities
JRMSP – Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines
On December 30, 2023 MSU Main’s Ms. Raheemah Hafsah Mamainte Pangarungan won as Top 1 in the 2023 Nationwide Search for the Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines.
Ms. Pagarungan was awarded during the Rizal Day at the International Headquarters of the Knights of Rizal where CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag was a Judge in and Guest Speaker of the 3-day final round.
The search aims to recognize Ten (10) Outstanding College/University Students of the Philippines who best epitomize the Rizalian qualities of academic excellence and leadership in campus and community activities, thereby serving as role model to the youth.
REO Regional Real Excellencce Online Cup 2024
MSU Main Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants triumphantly dominated the REO Cup 2024 on Feb 12-13, 2024.
Ms. Janimah Ansary, 4th year BS Accountancy student is the Regional Champion among the Top 25 national finalists in the said competition.
Among the Regional finalists are Ms. Sittie Jehan Codante, Ms. Princess Racma Pundato, Mr. Mohammad Yakhya Osop, Mr. Mohammad Yasin Wahab and Ms. Moizzah Macabalang.
MinPsyCon – Mindanao Psychology Convention 2024
On January 23-25, 2024 the following six Psychology majors of Mindanao State University Main attended the MinPsyCon hosted by XUPS (Xavier University Psychology Society) at Cagayan de Oro City: 1. Jainuraffy Jamail, 2. Shaheena Calalagan, 3. Sittierahana Bantuas, 4. Hosni Benito, 5. Yasmin Nasrodenm and 6. Hizam Disoma.
With the theme “MindTheNow”, MinPsyCon 2024 is an annual Mindanao-wide flagship project of the Xavier University Psychology Society which aims to gather Psychology students, Non-Psychology students, and Student Advocates to forward Psychology and mental health awareness in their academic and local communities.
5th MNC – Mindanao Novice Cup
On January 26-28, 2024 Rostrum and various debating institutions in Mindanao participated in the 5th MNC hosted by MPDU.
Three (3) debating teams out of four (4) broke in the College category while four (4) out of five (5) competing judges broke in the competition.
The team of Rohaniefah Ismail, 9th Best Speaker, and Moh’d Walid Gumal reached Semifinals.
The team of Fayzah Inshirah Ala, Moh’d Al-Gandhi Campong together with Jamsed Gampong, and Rayhan Somagayan reached quarterfinals.
Isah Basher, 5th Best Judge, Jainu Jamail, Subsidized Judge, Fathma Sarangani, and Princess Hayne Pangcatan broke as judges in the said tournament.
Alanisah Mamantar and Juhary Abantas competed as debaters while Moh’d Siddick Montila competed as an adjudicator.
The 5th Mindanao Novice Cup is an online debate tournament held via Discord and TabbyCat by the Mindanao Debates Parliamentary Union through the Debate Society of MSU-General Santos City.
8th Mindanao Intervarsity
The 8th Mindanao Intervarsity is a face-to-face debate competition hosted by the Xavier Debate Circle on January 19-21, 2024 at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City. It aims to foster discourse and progress traction in the Mindanao Debate Ecosystem.
MMDV Rostrum’s Jainuraffy Jamail was awarded as 10th Best Speaker while Eman Pangcatan was awarded as Finals Best Speaker. Debating against them in the Grandfinals were Ayeeka-Fardah Saripada and Hadrajie Samad.
Both awarded as Overall Best Novice Speakers, Isah Basher and Gazan Boriongan reached Open Quarterfinals. Fathma Sarangani also reached the Open Quarterfinals.
Amerhassan Usman was awarded as the 5th Novice Best Speaker.
Lastly, Abdul Yusoph Batao and Jamsed Gampong broke as Judges. Princess Haynee Pangcatan, Fayzah Inshira Ala and Rayhan Somagayan were also competing contingent of MMDV Rostrum.
22nd Regional Mid-year Convention (RMYC)
Mindanao State University Main Campus Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (MSU-Main JPIA) took home the Overall 1st Runner Up trophy of the 22nd Regional Mid-year Convention (RMYC) on January 13-14, 2024 held at Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City.
The RMYC is an annual event held in the middle of the academic year hosted by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) which is led by Regional Officers from Region 10 and CARAGA.
The event was witnessed by 16 different local chapters across Region 10 and CARAGA. MSU-Main JPIA was hailed and awarded as the local chapter with the highest number of delegates, almost 180 Accounting students from the said campus.
Spearheaded by Local Chapter President Nezam P. Maranda, MSU-Main JPIA remained unbeatable as it dominated the Academics (Overall 2nd Runner Up), Non-Academics (Overall Champion) competitions, and the prestigious search for Mr. and Ms. Ambassador of Goodwill 2024. MSU-Main Mohammad Alfayyedh Derogongan finished 1st Runner Up and Sittie Naidah Ibrahim was among the Top 5 semifinalists.
National Service Training Program of Mindanao State University
The National Service Training Program of Mindanao State University-Main Campus held an orientation and workshop on community immersion and proposal template development for the instructors of Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) at the IPDM on January 24, 2024.
The workshop focused on writing extension proposals and working with community-based organizations for community engagement and development.
The Director of the University Extension Services Center Prof. Melencio C. Jalova Jr. attended the workshop as resource speaker and delivered the introduction on extension, university direction to extension, and proposal format.
In understanding current experience of CWTS community engagement, Prof. Roel S. Sayson discussed viewpoints on collaborative programs and emphasized their significance to successful extension proposal.
DRRM Focal Prof. Romy S. Paghasian from the Community Development Department, together with Prof. Roel S. Sayson explained the extension proposal write-up and proceeded to conduct the workshop.
After the workshop, the faculty members advanced their extension proposals and reinforced commitment to community development.
Bulacan Intervarsity Debate Competition 2023
On December 15-17, 2023 MSU Main Rostrum Team Skeletato’s Jainuraffy Jamail, a 4th year Psychology student and Eman Pangkatan, both awarded as Over-all 7th Best Speaker, won and broke first in the Novice Category, making them the lone Mindanaoan team to reach Grand Finals in the Bulacan Intervarsity Debate Competition 2023.
Fayzah Inshirah Ala, 2nd year Development Communication student broke as an Adjudicator in the tournament.
Hosted by Bulacan Debate Circuit, the Bulacan Intervarsity is an online debate competition which aims to optimize the debate ecosystem in the country by creating opportunities echoing eloquence with prowess in formal discourse.
Rotary PSA Festival
On December 16, 2023, Mindanao Varsitarian’s Bethel Grace Paubsanon, a Video Journalist, and Raheemah Hafsah Pagarungan, Editor-in-Chief won as finalists in the Rotary PSA Festival’s hundreds of competing film entries.
Ms. Paubsanon has two films that reached semifinals. Her film entry “Repleksiyon” focused on Basic Education and Literacy while Ms. Pangarungan’s entry “Change” dealt on Water and Marine Livelihood.
Rotary PSA Festival is a national 30-second video contest by the Rotary Club of Circuit Makati highlighting Areas of Focus of Rotary International.