December 2025

The vibrant stories, rhythms, and traditions of Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao took center stage during the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Employees Cultural Night held on December 17, 2025, at the Training and Students Activity Center.  The event served as a colorful celebration of the country’s cultural diversity, unity, and shared heritage, brought to life through the talents and creativity of MSUN employees. Setting the tone for an evening of celebration, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, CPA, encouraged everyone to fully embrace the moment.  “Let us cheer loudly, laugh freely, and enjoy every performance, because every team on this stage tonight is already a winner,” she said, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and appreciation that defined the program. Teams Megabytes, Oracle, Vanguards, and Exabyte Elites captivated the audience as they showcased the music, dance, drama, and cultural narratives of their assigned regions. Team Red Megabytes opened the night with the lively colors and festive traditions of the Visayas. Team Blue Oracle followed with a portrayal of NCR’s rich history and cultural expressions. Team Green Vanguards brought to life the dynamic and evolving traditions of Luzon, while Team Yellow Exabyte Elites closed the performances with a powerful presentation celebrating the vibrant songs, dances, and indigenous heritage of Mindanao. In her closing remarks, Cultural Coordinator Ms. Nylette C. Jarales emphasized the deeper meaning of the event. “Tonight’s Battle of Regions was not about who stood out on stage. It was about every culture standing strong together,” she shared, underscoring the message of unity in diversity. Overall, the MSUN Employees Cultural Night was more than just a showcase of performances—it was a meaningful reminder of the richness of Philippine culture and the strength found in shared identity.  Through storytelling, artistry, and collaboration, the event fostered deeper appreciation, strengthened bonds among employees, and reaffirmed MSUN’s commitment to celebrating diversity while standing united as one university community.

The annual tradition of the Employees’ Children’s Party continued as the children of Mindanao State University at Naawan employees gathered for a day of joy, laughter, and meaningful bonding on December 16, 2025. With the theme “Under the Sea,” the event transformed the venue into a vibrant and playful setting filled with colors, creativity, and excitement — perfectly capturing the wonder and imagination of the young participants. In her welcome message, Acting Human Resource Management Officer Assoc. Prof. Delyn M. Bucay emphasized the importance of family and appreciation, sharing, “Today, we are celebrating family, laughter, and togetherness. So kani siya na party is a small way of MSU at Naawan for saying thank you sa inyohang mga mama ug papa na nagatrabaho sa MSU at Naawan. So we extend our gratitude to you as their children. [Today, we are celebrating family, laughter, and togetherness. So this party is a small way of MSU at Naawan for saying thank you to your mother and father who are working in MSU at Naawan. So we extend our gratitude to you as their children.]” Throughout the celebration, the children delighted in various fun-filled and interactive activities, including learning games, a unity dance, a fishing activity, gift exchanges, and photo opportunities with kids’ all-time favorite, Jollibee. These activities not only brought smiles and laughter but also encouraged camaraderie and creativity among the children. The program concluded with a heartfelt message from Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, CPA, who highlighted the deeper purpose of the event. “We want the children of our employees na mahimo silang proud, mahimo silang happy that their parents work in MSU at Naawan, and then ma-expose sila kung asa nagwork ang ilang parents [We want the children of our employees to be proud and happy knowing that their parents work in MSU at Naawan, and for them to be exposed to the place where their parents serve],” she shared. Overall, the Employees’ Children’s Party strengthened the spirit of family, gratitude, and unity within the MSUN community, reaffirming the university’s commitment to valuing not only its employees but also the families who support them. (Data Privacy Notice: Photos of minors posted were shared with the consent of their parents. Photos from photobooth can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/msun2025photobooth. Use your institutional email.)

The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSF) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Science (BSMS) programs under the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS) successfully underwent a Level II Accreditation Survey Visit by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) from December 8-12, 2025. The activity formally opened with an orientation led by AACCUP Coordinator Dr. Simeon J. Cainday III, who explained the objectives and significance of the survey visit as part of the continuing quality assurance process in higher education. During the evaluation period, the accreditors conducted virtual classroom observations to assess teaching methodologies, curriculum delivery, and learning outcomes for both BSF and BSMS programs. They also engaged various stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and industry and community partners—in focused interviews, gathering feedback on academic support services, community impact, and program relevance. A virtual tour of the campus was likewise facilitated, allowing different university offices to present their facilities, services, and initiatives that support instruction, research, extension, and student welfare. The survey visit concluded with a closing meeting, during which the accreditors shared their preliminary findings, commended best practices, and offered recommendations for further improvement. MSU at Naawan, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining quality standards and implementing continuous improvements in its academic and support systems. “This experience has reaffirmed our commitment to continuous improvement in providing quality education and service to our students and stakeholders,” said MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa. She added, “As the Chancellor of the Mindanao State University at Naawan, I promise, I commit, to uphold the values and standards expected of us as we move forward ensuring that we not only meet, but exceed the expectations placed upon us.” With this Level II Accreditation Survey Visit, MSU at Naawan continues to demonstrate its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, accountability, and responsive education. The university remains steadfast in advancing programs that are globally competitive, socially relevant, and aligned with its mission of empowering communities and transforming lives.

Recognized for its strong performance in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) proudly stood among the distinguished Philippine universities and colleges honored during the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards held on December 10, 2025, in Pasay City. MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa personally received the award on behalf of the university. A total of 173 universities and colleges were recognized during the ceremony, including several sister campuses from the MSU System—reflecting the collective commitment of Philippine higher education institutions toward innovation, global engagement, and sustainable development. The ICONS Awards is an annual CHED event that celebrates Philippine Higher Education Institutions for their significant efforts in promoting sustainability, achieving excellence in international rankings, pioneering internationalization initiatives, and contributing to the overall progress and prosperity of the ASEAN region. Congratulations, MSUN! May this achievement continue to inspire us to pursue greater innovation, strengthen our global partnerships, and uphold excellence in service of our communities.

Marking another significant step in the university’s commitment to institutional excellence and quality service delivery, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) underwent the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 external audit conducted by TÜV SÜD PSB Philippines, Inc., on December 2–5, 2025. Throughout the four-day evaluation, the audit covered the entire offices of the campus specifically the provision of higher education, instruction, research, extension, administrative, and student support services for the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, College of Environment and Life Sciences, College of Education and Social Sciences, and the College of Business and Information Technology. These core functions and service areas were subjected to rigorous assessment by the external audit team composed of Ms. Mary Danica Pelone, Mr. Erwin Quinto, Mr. Rafael Santelices, and auditor trainee Mr. Arnel Dalisay. “This audit represents not only a critical evaluation of our systems and processes but also an opportunity for us to reflect on our progress and identify areas where we can enhance our performance. It reminds us that the pursuit of quality is an ongoing journey, not just a destination,” highlighted MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa in her welcoming message. The audit covered thorough reviews of documented information, validation of office workflows, and verification activities such as laboratory visits and classroom observations. These steps ensured that MSUN’s practices align with the global standards required by ISO 9001:2015. During the closing meeting, Lead Auditor Ms. Pelone delivered the team’s consolidated findings. “With that result, the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard have been satisfied. Issuance of the certificate is recommended to Mindanao State University at Naawan. Congratulations!” she announced. This accomplishment is a testament to the collective dedication of MSUN’s administrators, faculty, staff, and support personnel who continuously uphold a culture of quality and responsibility. It reinforces the university’s vision of sustaining efficient and people-centered systems that elevate the delivery of instruction, research, extension, and administrative services. As MSUN moves forward, the university remains steadfast in strengthening its quality management system — embracing continuous improvement, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that every process contributes meaningfully to the institution’s mission of empowering communities and transforming lives.