March 2024

To foster camaraderie and strong collaboration ties for students, the College of Marine and Allied Sciences (CMAS) conducted Marine Biology (MB) and Information Technology (IT) Days on March 20-22, 2024, at the Mindanao State University at Naawan grounds.  Simultaneous events were organized by the college’s Marine Biological Society and Body of Information Technology Students with themes “Marine Wizard and the Underwater Secrets” and “Pixel Party: Where IT Meets Fun”, respectively. The festivities commenced with energetic morning Zumba sessions and a vibrant parade, setting the tone for three days of excitement. Dr. Jesrael Palco, CMAS Dean, inaugurated the event, emphasizing its significance and the valuable experiences awaiting the participants. Joining the celebration were esteemed figures like Asst. Prof. Edward Rowe Aleluya, CMAS Student Activity Coordinator, who delivered the closing remarks, as well as department chairpersons Asst. Prof. Lovella Calala and Asst. Prof. Cris Neil Anthony Gulfan from the Marine Biology and Information Technology departments, respectively, along with other esteemed faculty members. Jay Ratunil, a Marine Biology student, took center stage as he led his peers in reciting the oath of sportsmanship, setting a tone of integrity and fair play for the event. His confident and inspiring leadership was met with thunderous cheers and spirited yells from students across different year levels, creating an atmosphere of unity and enthusiasm that resonated throughout the gathering. 𝙊𝙛 𝙬𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 Taking the activities to the magical realm of the famous young-adult fiction book and movie series, Harry Potter, the Marine Biological Society divided the students into four well-known Hogwarts houses – Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Students had the opportunity to be sorted randomly and given wands, along with their banners after the House Banner Making, in which they must protect from being stolen by other members of other houses.  Led by Marine Biological Society’s Mayor, Allexc Mae Niez, and other MBS officers, students were able to enjoy the activities such as Amazing Race, contextualized Quidditch Tournament, Treasure Quest, Banner and Poster Making, and riddles connected with marine biology. Students were also able to participate in an engaging discussion on Marine Litter Pollution and Management symposium by Asst. Prof. Ramon Francisco Padilla with the topic “Managing Upland Wastes and Pertinent Laws for the Marine Environment” and Dr. Allyn Duvin Hinoguin for her talk titled “Marine Litter and Threats to Marine Life”. Afterwards, students gave brief explanation with regards to their posters in line with the symposium’s topic. 𝙄𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙡𝙨 While the Marine Biology students roamed around the wonders of Hogwarts, the Body of Information Technology Students organized activities for IT students where teams were from almost everyone’s childhood favorite video games – Donkey Kong, Pac-man, Tetris, Terraria, Sonic, and Super Mario. Moreover, students actively engaged in their Scavenger Hunt, Team Building, IT Student Got Talent activities where their collaborative skills were tested. To ignite students’ entrepreneurial spirit, Ms. Jehanie May Macasawang and Mr. Lord Rynkar Arcamo provided students with ideas on startup and freelancing, delving deeper on the secrets and ways on the digital realm during the Freelancing and Startup Symposium. Furthermore, the highly anticipated conclusion of CMAS Days 2024 is set to unfold tonight at the MSUN Function House. This grand finale will be marked by a captivating masquerade-themed Acquaintance and Victory Party, where attendees will don their finest masks and attire for an evening of celebration and camaraderie. It promises to be a memorable affair, filled with music from Restart Band, laughter, and shared triumphs, as participants reflect on the enriching experiences and friendships forged during this remarkable event. Finally, the students extend their heartfelt appreciation to the MB faculty members and esteemed alumni whose generous support made it possible to sponsor the band. Their unwavering dedication and encouragement have truly been instrumental in bringing this endeavor to fruition. 

As part of the observance of March as fire-prevention month, the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) at Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) conducted a Fire Safety Lecture and Hands-on Drills on March 20, 2024 at the MSUN Training and Students Activity Center and oval. The event commenced with a comprehensive fire safety lecture delivered by SFO2 Arvie C. Fernandez from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). This lecture aimed to educate participants on essential fire safety measures, protocols, and best practices. Following the lecture, members of the BFP demonstrated practical fire safety drills. These drills included proper techniques for handling fire extinguishers, managing leaking LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), operating fire hoses and nozzles, and participating in a water bucket relay. These hands-on activities were designed to equip attendees with the necessary skills to respond effectively in case of a fire emergency. The event garnered active participation from both students and employees of MSUN, emphasizing the importance of collective awareness and preparedness in fire safety. As the event concluded, Asst. Prof. Jay Philmore B. Ansale, the Coordinator of CDRRMO, delivered closing remarks and facilitated the distribution of certificates to the members of BFP. Overall, the Fire Safety Lecture and Hands-on Drills organized by CDRRMO aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in fire safety, contributing to a safer and more prepared campus community.

Today, March 19,2024, representatives from the Iligan City Polytechnic State College (ICPSC), formerly known as Iligan City National School of Fisheries, visited the institution seeking assistance and guidance in operationalizing its newly converted status, particularly in their plan to offer programs such as BS Fisheries, BS Agriculture, BS Agricultural Business. The delegation included Mr. Ronillo C. Apas Sr., School Principal, Ms. Grace D. Cabaron, Head Teacher, Ms. Alecia C. Diaz, and Ms. Megibeth O. Ladlad, along with representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region X, Mr. Elmer C. Lopez, and Ms. Rose Mae T. Lumasag. They warmly welcomed them, with Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Gergie A. Ambato, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Arleen B. Uy, Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado, SMFT Dean, Dr. Fernand F Fagutao, Department of Fisheries Science Chairperson, and SMFT Secretary Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso in attendance. Together, they engaged in discussions and provided insights, particularly on the feasibility of offering a BS Fisheries program at ICPSC. Moreover, CHED Region X representatives meticulously reviewed the requirements for offering the program, ensuring compliance and adequacy. Dr. Roa raised pertinent questions regarding ICPSC’s commitment to the program, especially in areas where they may be lacking. As a center of excellence in Fisheries, Dr. Roa expressed the institution’s willingness to extend assistance and suggested establishing a Memorandum of Agreement to address any deficiencies, particularly in faculty expertise, and to help ICPSC achieve its goals. Through collaborative efforts and open dialogue, the institution aims to support ICPSC in its transition and ensure the successful implementation of quality programs. They look forward to further collaboration and the realization of shared objectives in advancing education and research in these vital fields.

On March 18, 2024, during the flag-raising ceremony, four students affiliated with the Animal Science Society within the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), namely Rain Heart Daligdig, Crystal Jane Degamon, Karl Freidrich Larot, and Manuel Jabagat, were duly recognized for their commendable achievement as the overall 2nd Runner-up in the recently concluded 9th Animal Science Quiz Contest, hosted at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB). Furthermore, an additional award was given to Crystal Jane Degamon for being the champion in “PatalASSan ng Galing” Competition. Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa has expressed profound satisfaction at the noteworthy accomplishment of the MSUN team in this esteemed competition, highlighting the huge pride and honor it brings to both the university and the CAFES, particularly in light of their international engagements. This distinguished award undoubtedly owes much to the invaluable mentorship provided by Assistant Professor Richelle A. Niepes. The Animal Science Society merits sincere congratulations for their exceptional performance, which stands as a beacon of inspiration to all members of the student body and faculty alike. This achievement reaffirms our unwavering dedication to excellence in education and research within the domains of agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences. Read the news about the competition through: https://www.facebook.com/afesso.msun/posts/pfbid0JHDe5qpDM4DUqZpmhTUfpzkuCNKJJRSYJW54fJ5fYwYakQJua3PtYbCeJutiZMjgl

For monitoring and compliance of Mindanao State University at Naawan’s (MSUN) offered academic programs, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office-X (CHEDRO-X) officials visited MSUN on January 17, 2024. CHEDRO-X evaluators present were Dr. Miriam B. Fuentes as the Team Leader, Mr. Elmer C. Lopez, Ms. Rosemae Lumasag, Ms. Sarah Jane G. Medez, Mr. Daryl Glenn B. Pamplona, Ms. Susan Daisy Raagas, and Mr. Mark Godfrey D. Torres. They were welcomed with a short program and were introduced to the colleges’ deans. “So there are still 16 programs that have no COPC [(Certificate of Program Compliance)] yet. Today, we are hoping that you can comply with at least the minimum requirements of CHED, and we can give you the COPC, if there’s a need to,” said Dr. Miriam B. Fuentes, Chief Education Program Specialist and the Team Leader of the COPC Evaluators. After the short program, evaluators proceeded with the evaluation of the library, student affairs and services, and different academic programs offered by every college. “The issuance of COPC from CHED affirms MSU at Naawan’s commitment of giving quality education, that our programs complied with the minimum standards set by the Commission. Not only that, having this certification also means that we can apply for higher level of accreditation of our programs,” said Assistant Professor Gergie A. Ambato, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Finally, during the post-conference for the discussion and presentation of the results of the findings, there was a fruitful discussion stressing the growth and progress of MSUN in terms of faculty profile, facilities, and student services. Although there were comments and suggestions for the further improvement of the campus, MSUN is determined to comply with everything for the COPC status.

Bringing together products for technology and smart solutions for agriculture, the Ankara University – Faculty of Agriculture will organize the first International Agriculture Technology Festival on May 13-15, 2024 at its university grounds in the Agricultural Faculty campus in Ankara, Türkiye.  Anticipated to draw participation from over 100 organizations and companies of more than 200 participants and not fewer than 5,000 visitors both domestic and international, the festival serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements and innovations in agricultural technology. The event is expected to feature a wide range of products, services, and solutions designed to enhance and modernize various aspects of agriculture. Among the distinguished partner universities involved in this international gathering is the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN). This collaboration underscores the significance of global academic partnerships in fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Thus, the participation of MSUN as a partner university not only enhances the international scope of the festival but also highlights the commitment to collaboration between Ankara University and MSUN. Furthermore, this partnership is a direct result of the ongoing academic collaboration between Ankara University and MSUN.  Through initiatives like the International Agriculture Technology Festival, these institutions are not only contributing to the dissemination of knowledge but also creating opportunities for joint research, technology transfer, and the exchange of expertise in the realm of agricultural sciences. Additionally, the festival serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing agricultural technology and addressing the evolving needs of the global agricultural community. If you wish to know more about the festival, visit their website at: https://agrifest.ankara.edu.tr/en