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.