May 2026

Aimed at enhancing the university’s academic framework through the development of inclusive syllabi and modules, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) successfully conducted a comprehensive Gender and Society Seminar and Workshop on May 11 to 13, 2026. Organized by the Office of the Curriculum Development and Services in collaboration with the  Department of Social Sciences and Humanities under the College of Education and Social Sciences, this three-day initiative brought together faculty and experts to align instructional materials with contemporary gender-responsive standards. The event was marked by a profound message of support from University Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, who lauded the participants for their commitment to the institution’s mission. In her message, Dr. Roa expressed that at this point, she would not be the one to provide inspiration or support, but rather it was the participants themselves who inspired her through their immense effort and dedication. Dr. Roa also reiterated that teachers are called to help build a community that is understanding and accepting.  This sentiment was echoed by Assoc. Prof. Desheree Judena G. Preciado, who delivered an inspirational message on the opening day, urging the educators to embrace their roles as transformative agents of change. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in rigorous sessions led by resource speaker Ms. Mariel S. Quiogue of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), covering the fundamentals of gender and society as well as the intricate details of GEC123 syllabus designing that is aligned with the CHED standard and MSUN program objectives. The second day featured a dynamic “World Cafe” session for the presentation of learning content, assessments, and activities, followed by feedback and topic enhancement. The seminar concluded on the third day with the finalization of the developed syllabi and a formal presentation of outputs, facilitated by Mr. Elmer A. Barredo.  Through this collaborative effort, MSUN continues to solidify its position as a leader in academic excellence and socially conscious education.

On May 12, 2026, our Level 1 Nursing students at the MSUN Department of Nursing successfully completed their College-to-College Pre-Clinical Exposure. From checking vital signs to performing capillary blood glucose tests, our student nurses demonstrated their skills by serving the faculty and student body. Beyond the technicalities, they also took the lead in health education, sharing vital knowledge for a healthier community. Congratulations on this milestone!

With the aim of strengthening institutional commitment to cultural inclusivity and specialized academic standards, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) conducted a Comprehensive Halal Awareness Training held on May 7–9, 2026, at the MSUN Fisheries Science Building. In line with this goal, the intensive three-day program was organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in partnership with the Office of the Curriculum Development and Services, led by Dr. Fernan Q. Abragan. The initiative was designed to equip faculty and staff with essential knowledge and practical skills in Halal principles and practices. The training featured distinguished resource speakers endorsed by the leader author of the Halal 101 and the Executive Vice President of the MSU System Dr. Abdulcader Ayo  from the King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic, and Asian Studies of the MSU-Main Campus, namely Prof. Aleem Shanolah A. Rasuman, Prof. Aleem Mohammad Saddam M. Naga, and Prof. Aleem Mohammad Rajjal B. Manumbilao. Through a combination of lecture discussions and interactive workshops, participants explored fundamental Halal concepts, principles, laws related to Halal, its  applications, and culturally responsive practices. In addition to the learning sessions, participants engaged in workshop activities and presented institutional outputs that reflected their understanding and application of the training topics. At the heart of this workshop  is Halal 101, or Fundamentals of Halal,  which seeks to institutionalize a course that advances cultural preservation, and contextualized learning, ensuring that our students are grounded not only in knowledge, but in values that strengthen mutual respect. The program concluded with a formal awarding of certificates, recognizing the active participation and commitment of the attendees. Ultimately, through this training, MSUN continues to strengthen its academic framework and ensure that institutional practices remain inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to evolving global and regional Halal standards.

Through the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 7, 2026, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and the Navigators of Innovative and Academic Endeavors, Inc. (NIAE) officially forged a partnership dedicated to advancing professional development opportunities for educators. Leading the signing ceremony were MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa and NIAE President Dr. Dolores S. Pattuinan, representing their respective institutions. The collaboration was further strengthened by the support of Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador, Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences (CESS), and Director Leemarc C. Alia of the Office of Advanced Education and Lifelong Learning (OAELL). As part of the agreement, the partnership will spearhead an intensive two-day seminar-workshop in August 2026, centered on the timely and relevant themes of Artificial Intelligence in Education and Mental Health. Private and public school teachers can anticipate a dynamic learning experience featuring eight specialized sessions facilitated by distinguished experts and guest lecturers, including a plenary session focused on collaboration and professional networking. To ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, NIAE will oversee the process and documentation requirements, while MSUN will provide the venue and technical support facilities. Ultimately, the partnership reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to empowering educators, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, and cultivating a globally responsive academic community.

On May 4, 2026, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and Iligan City Polytechnic State College (ICPSC) strengthened their academic ties through a high-level benchmarking visit aimed at enhancing the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTED) program. The ICPSC delegation was warmly received by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Initiatives Assoc. Prof. Frederick B. Cabactulan, and the Office of the Quality Assurance and Management System.  During the visit, the team explored MSU at Naawan’s specialized facilities to gain insights and support for their Fish Capture and Fish Processing specializations, ensuring their students have access to the latest industry-standard learning environments. In addition to the facility tour, both institutions are currently in active talks regarding the details of a faculty exchange initiative. This proposal seeks to designate MSUN experts as adjunct faculty members for ICPSC, a move designed to provide students with a more grounded and practical learning experience through regional expertise. Through this collaborative effort, ICPSC and MSUN are poised to elevate the standards of technical-vocational education in Northern Mindanao, fostering innovation and stronger institutional connections in the field of fisheries and aquatic resources.