Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

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.)

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.

Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) reached another significant milestone on November 20, 2025, with the launching and ribbon cutting of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Cacao Processing Center for Western Misamis Oriental – an initiative that positions the university as a key driver in strengthening the region’s cacao industry and supporting local farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).  Led by Project Leader Asst. Prof. Christian Fel Batoctoy of the College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), the project reflects MSUN’s expanding role as a hub for innovation, agriculture-based enterprise development, and community-centered progress. MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa opened the ceremony with a message that underscored the value of synergy in public service.  “This is a good example that when government agencies, the local government units, the provincial government unit, and the various department agencies in the government with the academe collaborating, participating to a common goal, 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘨𝘺𝘶𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘬𝘰 𝘯𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 community [great progress for the community can truly be achieved] – and this is a very good example,” she said.  Dr. Roa further emphasized MSUN’s commitment to transforming the facility into a center of research and innovation. “Because it is placed in a university, 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘥 𝘮𝘪 𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 research hub – 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘵𝘢 𝘶𝘨 research, 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘺𝘰 𝘱𝘢 𝘴𝘢 quality 𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 out of this shared facility [we will also strive to make it a research hub – where we can conduct studies that will further improve the quality of what we produce through this shared facility].” 𝘼 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 The cacao processing facility, established under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facility Program, is a response to a request from Deputy Speaker Cong. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano to support and uplift the cacao industry in Misamis Oriental. DTI-10 OIC Provincial Director Ms. Jesusa M. Abear highlighted the strategic value of the project, noting that it aims to address long-standing challenges faced by cacao farmers in terms of processing and product value.  “Why are we doing this? Because we believe in the potential of our farmers and the cacao industry in Misamis Oriental. This project was conceived to address a critical need among cacao farmers in Misamis Oriental… By bridging this gap, we aim to strengthen the cacao industry and position Misamis Oriental as the cacao capital of Region 10,” she emphasized. Western Misamis Oriental comprises 10 municipalities engaged in cacao farming, with 433 hectares cultivated by 499 farmers. Naawan alone contributes 121 hectares and 36,317 kilograms of the area’s total annual production of 126,921 kilograms of dried fermented cacao beans. Despite this abundance, many farmers are limited to selling raw beans at lower margins. The new SSF facility addresses this challenge by providing access to toll processing services that enable the production of higher-value products such as cacao butter and cocoa powder – commodities with significantly greater market potential. 𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚-𝙤𝙛-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙗 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 Located within the MSUN campus, the cacao processing facility is equipped with Php 1.73 million worth of industry-grade machinery, forming part of the project’s total cost of Php 3.9 million. It will operate as a toll processing center, allowing farmers and MSMEs to pay processing fees while retaining control over the marketing and distribution of their finished products.  Its placement at MSUN ensures that the center will not only provide processing services but also serve as a platform for research, product innovation, and technical capacity-building for farmers, students, and micro-entrepreneurs. 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 The ceremony was graced by key national and regional partners who expressed unwavering support for the initiative. Messages were delivered by DTI-10’s Ruel B. Paclipan through Asst. Regional Director Ms. Almer R. Masillones; Mindanao Development Authority Northern Mindanao Area Head Ms. Lordelie Enjambre; and Department of Agriculture–Region 10 Regional Executive Director Mr. Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, represented by Mr. Dryan Anthony Illana. Naawan Mayor Hon. Dennis L. Roa also conveyed the municipality’s full support for the project. Deputy Speaker Cong. Emano, represented by Board Member Hon. Nancy S. Madjos, reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to agricultural and MSME development in the province. The launching event likewise gathered DTI-10 Technical Working Committee Chairman Mr. Ruben A. Vegafria, Senior Trades and Industry Development Specialist Ms. Judy Aclan-Tangkihay; Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center Manager Ms. Phoebe Galeon; former MSUN College of Agriculture and Forestry Dean Dr. Renato Boniao and former DTI-10 Director Linda Boniao; and MSUN’s executive officials including Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services Ms. Arleen B. Uy, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Initiatives Assoc. Prof. Frederick Cabactulan, DARES Director Dr. Aida D. Perpetua, CELS Dean Dr. Nonillon M. Aspe, CELS faculty and staff, the CDRRM team, security personnel, and other MSUN personnel. Farmers, MSME owners and managers, municipal agriculturists, and representatives from various government agencies also participated in the event, signifying the strong multi-stakeholder support behind the facility. 𝘼 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 The inauguration of the SSF Cacao Processing Facility marks a significant leap forward for Western Misamis Oriental’s cacao industry. It is a testament to what collective effort – anchored on trust, shared vision, and inclusive development – can achieve.  With MSUN serving as the home of this state-of-the-art facility, the university not only strengthens its role as an academic institution but also emerges as a catalyst for enterprise growth, agricultural resilience, and rural innovation. As this facility begins its operations, it is set to empower farmers, uplift local communities, and contribute to a more robust cacao value chain – paving the way for Misamis Oriental to become a leading player in the region’s agricultural economy.

Reaffirming its commitment to disaster preparedness and the safety of its academic community, Mindanao State University at Naawan successfully conducted its 4th Quarter Campus-Wide Earthquake Drill on November 7, 2025. The activity was organized by the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and actively participated in by university officials, faculty members, staff, and students from various colleges and offices. At exactly 2:00 p.m., the alarm for the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure was sounded, prompting everyone to take immediate cover and move to their designated evacuation areas. Emergency marshals and response teams were deployed across campus to assist participants and ensure that safety measures were properly observed. According to the CDRRMO, this 4th quarter drill aimed to assess the campus community’s readiness and responsiveness during seismic emergencies and to strengthen coordination among different units in times of disaster. The activity also aligns with the university’s proactive stance in promoting a culture of safety, preparedness, and resilience, in line with national DRRM directives. Through this quarterly drill, MSU at Naawan continues to champion disaster awareness and risk reduction, ensuring that every member of the community is equipped to act promptly and safely in the face of natural hazards.

While the SINAG 2025 oral and poster presentations were in full swing across the campus, officials from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), together with the Department of Health (DOH), conducted an ocular site visit for the University Infirmary Hospital on October 28, 2025. Joining the visit were DOH Health Facilities Enhancement Program Undersecretary Dr. Gregorio T. Murillo, Jr. and DOH Center for Health Development–Northern Mindanao Dir. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., MD, MPH, FPSMS, CESO IV, alongside MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellors Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, Assoc. Prof. Frederick B. Cabactulan, and Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, together with university engineers, architect, and project contractors. Funded by the Department of Health, this soon-to-rise facility marks a significant step toward strengthening campus healthcare services and advancing MSUN’s commitment to student and community well-being. Once completed, the infirmary hospital will serve as a vital hub for accessible and quality health care – not only for students, faculty, and staff, but also for surrounding communities – enhancing MSUN’s capacity to respond to emergencies, support public health initiatives, and promote a safer, healthier academic environment for all.

Marking another milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing quality education and research excellence, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) held the formal turnover and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the newly completed College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) (formerly College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences or CAFES) Building and College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (formerly School of Marine and Fisheries Technology or SMFT) Building on October 17, 2025. The event highlighted the unveiling of the buildings’ plate markers and the signing of the Certificate of Acceptance and Certificate of Project Completion between MSUN and the joint venture of J.M. Luciano Construction, Inc. and VNP Construction and Design, the contractors behind the construction projects. These activities symbolized the official handover and completion of the university’s latest infrastructure developments. University officials, faculty and staff, students, and representatives from the construction firms gathered for the ceremonies, celebrating the realization of what was once a shared vision and dream — now a concrete testament to collaboration, perseverance, and institutional growth. The two newly completed academic buildings are designed to enhance the university’s instructional and research capacities, providing modern learning environments that support the specialized programs in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and marine sciences. These facilities are also envisioned to serve as hubs for innovation and community-driven research. With the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and turnover, MSUN takes another confident step toward strengthening its role as a center of excellence in science, technology, and sustainable development in Mindanao.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) strengthened its commitment to health awareness and emergency preparedness through the “Hands-Only CPR Training” conducted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Misamis Oriental–Cagayan de Oro Chapter on October 13, 2025. Held in coordination with the Office of the Campus Risk Reduction and Management, the training aimed to enhance the university community’s life-saving capabilities by equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during medical emergencies. The Philippine Red Cross volunteers introduced participants to the history, humanitarian mission, and core services of the organization, alongside informative discussions on heart attack, cardiac arrest, and the importance of immediate response. The highlight of the activity was the hands-on demonstration and practice of Hands-Only CPR, where participants performed chest compressions and learned the correct rhythm and pressure needed to sustain life until professional help arrives. MSUN employees and students eagerly participated, demonstrating the skills they had learned with diligence and enthusiasm. The atmosphere reflected a shared sense of responsibility — that everyone, regardless of background or role, can be a potential lifesaver in moments that matter most. Furthermore, this initiative exemplifies MSUN’s proactive stance in promoting safety, health literacy, and community resilience, while reinforcing its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through partnerships with organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, MSUN continues to nurture a campus community that is not only informed but also ready to act with care and compassion.

A total of 1,079 aspiring students took the Mindanao State University – System Admission and Scholarship Examination (MSU-SASE) on October 5, 2025, at Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN).  The campus became a hub of anticipation and determination as examinees from various provinces in Mindanao gathered early to take part in the highly awaited university-wide entrance examination. According to data released by MSU-General Santos, the MSU System recorded a total of 61,183 applicants across all testing centers—a testament to the growing confidence of students and families in the quality of education offered by the MSU network of campuses. Furthermore, the SASE serves as a crucial gateway for incoming first year students aspiring to study within the MSU System.  More than just an entrance test, it provides qualified students with access to academic and scholarship opportunities across Mindanao and beyond, reflecting the university’s mission to make higher education inclusive, equitable, and transformative for all.