PUBLICATIONS in SCOPUS (Scopus is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, covering a wide range of fields and formats, and used by researchers, authors, and institutions to find, evaluate, and track research output. 
The word Scopus is derived from the Greek word ‘skopos’ which means “watcher”.)

As of January 2025, the Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City has 356 research publications indexed in SCOPUS, contributed by 229 authors. Notably, Mathematics ranks as the top subject area, accounting for 25.6% of the total publications.

For decades, MSU-Main Campus researchers have consistently published in reputable international journals. The earliest SCOPUS-indexed record from the university dates back to 1982, reflecting our long-standing commitment to academic excellence and impactful research.
 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FPCpeQ12C/

And here is from Glen Lorenzo, PhD., Vice President for Research and Extension, MSU System:

The Publication described the Research and Extension Agenda, Road Maps, 2023-2028, for the different Colleges and Institutes in MSU Main (Marawi).

https://www.msumain.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MSU_Marawi_RD_Agenda_2023-2028.pdf

RIP VAN WINKLE EPOCH At MSU Main (Marawi), 2012-2025

Focus on Buildings and Facilities

“Sorry, Siruffy, I slept in that interim in the history of the University; and woke up to a different physical Campus world. What happened?”

The MSU (still called University of Mindanao) was founded in 1961 to address the primordial, centuries -old crises of education and development chasm, and cultural integration in Minsupala.

The University opened classes on June 13, 1962 to 283 creme de la creme students of the region. (That historic date is still celebrated by who are still alive of the said student-pioneers, every year. Yes, this year’s venue for their Reunion is Tangub City in Misamis Oriental).

Founding in 1961, opening in 1962 dubbed The Boldest Experiment in Education in the nation. Was MSU ready then? Braggadocio, yes! Really?

Dr. Antonio Isidro and his ragtag team scampered to build facilities, develop curricula, hire faculty (13), enhance goodwill of people, plead for budget (P 150,000) and the like.

Wonder of wonders, they did IT. The University commenced on a strong rah-rah philosophy and battlecry , “We will nurture on this Kabingan Hill an Institution worthy of its name and mission. We’ll be the UP of the South.” Grabe, bravo to the mantra of this new kid on the block in the nation’s education labyrinth.

Focusing on buildings and facilities alone, what did MSU have then? They were not completed by June 1962 such that the students were lodged in Bangolo (Maria Cristina hotel) in Marawi and at Camp Keithly.

For weeks, they commuted in military vehicles to the Campus some three kilometers away.

Scholars All, GOATs All, poor All, too, were these Pioneers — innocence, hope, and intellectual depth glistened in their personas. There was no swagger, however contagious ambitious rays emanated from their auras.

What did they expect of this University whose facilities were elementary school? Genius has its own way of finding solutions. The students and faculty made do of what was there. Patience, guts ruled the days, and joy, alongside pangs of pioneer resolve. “To study in a university was a rare fate, the chance of a better future. I will take its full measure”, a Pioneer declaimed.

Thus, successive batches of idealistic students followed the pioneers’ seminal feats of endurance and Spartan ethic.

And we know the rest of the story.

Thanks for the memories, as we look back in candor. The University way back in 1962 had the following “infrastructure” made of timber (lament lament, these ‘monuments’ are not in the Campus anymore, demolished and replaced… hikbi.)

1. A five-room Academic Building
2. An administrative wing for offices and faculty rooms
3. Girls Dorm
4. Boys Dorm
5. Cafeteria between the two dorms
6. A one-room infirmary adjacent to another room of a library
7. Physical plant room adjacent to an old 25-Kilowatt generator stall, for lighting and water pump power
8. Four faculty houses that included the President’s residence (grandiously named Summit Inn)
9. A big elevated water tank to serve everyone
10. Soil basketball court between the Cafeteria and Girls Dorm
11. Complement of two muddy roads

That was it, and this University aimed to be at par daw with UP? Ala eh, ambisyosong matayug baga? Tingnan natin, balik-tanawin.

(Nevertheless, MSU overlooks the most beautiful and majestic Lake Lanao that even Switzerland’s are no match; the view from the Campus is God’s concept of magnificent.)

And so MSU lived on, year in and year out, of struggles nonpareil, dalawang kahig, isang tuka of getting ready for the next batches and advanced students.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not was feeble compared to how the MSU story unfolded. Budget swings, facilities lack, academics recognition, crises, birth of external campuses, competition with other universities, stratospheric standards, rebellions – name them, whatever – MSU experienced them all, winning many, losing some. Deep seated centuries-old challenges came to fore in bursting cadence; the University survived, learning from past mistakes, and moving on. Adapting to nonstop, grinding, bravado-driven creative approaches to untold twists and turns, and of trials and tribulations.

Whoever was the President of the University doubled as Mayor, Sheriff for peace and order; power, water and internet Provider; safety and housing czar, and be as great to his given charge as Academics and Administration Executive.

The popular joke then and now, “Get the President of UP or Ateneo to be President of MSU, and bet your money that the fellow will quit in less than than six months.” Ha ha ha, subok lang. No one dared kasi matatalo. MSU is not for lesser mortals to manage.

Gungho ever, in 64 years, the MSU did not only perform laude, it grew and prospered, and is now the No. 1 University in Minsupala with its banner Main (Marawi) campus. Nationwide, MSU is No. 8, despite being the youngest, and the only one in Mindanao chosen among Top Ten Bests. It is hailed for its academic standards and participatory social laboratory for cultural integration, and platform for peace and development. These inspite of its vaunted (but not true) notoriety as a most dangerous campus. Assumptio non probata, to say the least.

And it came to pass that an MSU Diploma becomes a testament to competence, courage, well-rounded education, and smarts (intelligence with the university-endowed ability to accomplish any mission under the sun).

Cheers as well, its succession of Presidents were heroes with their accomplishments, contributing their own minted pebbles to erect this lasting MSU edifice for generations. And so true for the incumbent, Atty Basari D. Mapupuno.

In that context and continuing on, let us take particular look at MSU Buildings and Facilities through the decades. This is our third subject of concern after Academics (VPAA Alma Berowa) and Research and Development (MSRC Director Madz Mangontarum and VPRE Glenn Lorenzo).

Commensurate to the demands of the University, buildings and facilities were erected, with maratabat can-do pride and effort to satisfy the needs. Due diligence and repeated sighing requests to the Government were the norm; fine outputs but almost always short. Pagkasiyahin kung ano ibigay ng pamahalaan. Sige nang sige at darating din ang umaga. Moreover, academics and management innovative approaches and standards were pushed to the hilt, and were never abandoned.

In 2012, after years of repeated and crying requests for critical capital outlay (buildings and facilities), the genii was finally let out of the bottle by the Government. Similar to UP, the MSU System received a windfall of funding for capital outlay, and laboratory equipment, books, and related others.

Hulala…ang saya! MSU accelerated its building and facilities, and new academic programs to breathtaking velocity.

Thus, an alumnus who observed the going-ons in the University from the ‘60s to 2012 will be utterly flabbergasted had he slept in 2013, and woke up in 2025.

The Rip Van Winkle Alumnus would wonder and exclaim, “Magic wonderland, what are these buildings and facilities that sprouted like mushrooms, and yummy mannas from above?” Yes, indeed, unbelievable but true.

And so, Ladies and Gentlemen, here are the Buildings and Facilities of MSU in Marawi, categorized as follows:

Old Buildings from the 60s to 2012:

Relatively New (2013 to present) and

Under Construction (2024 to present).

Feast your eyes as you revel at your profound muni-muni.

Please note that principally, our Physical Plant Division (PPD), in concert with special working groups in the faculty and administration, and contractors, are in charge of Buildings and Facilities, their construction and supervision, and maintenance. The PPD coordinates closely with the University Office of Planning and Development (VPPD Rodrigo Baid)

The Powerpoint Presentation of MSU Marawi Academic and Administrative Buildings, through the years may/should be Downloaded (no viruses), in laptop or desktop computer, instead of your Cellphone. There are so many pictures.

It is followed by the Video Powerpoint on 2024-2025 Maintenance and Renovation Projects. This one is okay to watch on Cellphone.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Sv-Y9Q_lkWZ_XHHdvium1ifzHr_JMOjN/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111954665397800712676&rtpof=true&sd=true 


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q7GK13Fv_4-9vwt6l0xOaXS7xm6t-EZb/view?usp=sharing

Both presentations were prepared through the kindness and indefatigable effort of:

1. University Engineer Preciosa Dimaporo (MSU BSCE 1981), PPD Director who has served the University for countless years in principal engineering positions;
2. Assistant University Engineer Mustapha Abedin (TIP BSCE, 1984), incharge of Construction program; we worked in tandem during my years as Consultant
3. Mohammad Alongan (MSU IIT, BSIT 2016, MSU IIT) Web Developer at PPD, a fantastic techie to connect with.
4. Almadin Bazar, Administrative Assistant for his photography work. A tiyaga niya.

As in the song, please mumble the tune as you look at these pictures and video, and think back —

“Try to remember the kind of September

When you were a tender and callow fellow

Try to remember and if you remember

Then follow, follow.”

A derivative of Longfellow’s verse:

“The MSU will is the wind’s will, And the thoughts of MSU are long, long, never-ending thoughts”.

Carry on… carry on dear MSU, our Dakilang Paaralan, Pamantasang Mindanao. There is no rest for the ambitious mortal.