Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

On November 12, 2024, the Crab Hatchery and Tilapia Hatchery buildings were formally turned over to Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) in a ceremony that highlights the university’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in aquaculture. The turn-over event featured the signing of the certificates of acceptance and project completion by key representatives from both the contractors — VNP Construction and Design and AMIGOS Construction — and MSUN officials. Among the signatories were MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, 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 Asst. Prof. Frederick B. Cabactulan, NCARES Director Assoc. Prof. Victor R. Navarro, and Physical Plant Unit Head Engr. Wennie P. Asequia. This milestone event marks the official completion of these state-of-the-art facilities, which will serve as crucial assets for MSUN’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and enhance the university’s research capabilities in marine biology and fisheries sciences. Furthermore, the turn-over ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new era of opportunity and growth for MSUN, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in the region for academic excellence and environmental stewardship. … Article and photos by: Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop // OIPP #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN), MSUN Foundation for Science and Technology Development, Inc. (MSUNFSTDI), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naawan have formalized their commitment to sustainable environmental practices by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the “Grow Talabaan Program Phase 2” at the Office of the Chancellor today, November 12, 2024. This collaboration, titled “Grow Talabaan Program Phase 2: Sustainable Conservation of Natural Resources and Climate Change Impact Mitigation in the Talabaan Watershed through Integrative Watershed Management”, aims to address critical environmental challenges in the Talabaan Watershed area. The MOA was signed by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, MSUNFSTDI President Ms. Grace I. Prado, and Naawan Mayor Hon. Dennis L. Roa, with witnesses including Vice Mayor Hon. Allan B. Roa. and Prof. Renoir A. Abrea, MSU-Naawan Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension. The three-year project, running from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, aims to build community resilience and establish sustainable watershed management in Talabaan. This MOA highlights the joint commitment of MSU at Naawan, MSUNFSTDI, and LGU-Naawan to safeguard the Talabaan Watershed, tackle urgent environmental challenges, and build a sustainable future. Backed by local and institutional support, this initiative is poised to enhance watershed resilience and exemplify a collaborative model of environmental stewardship in Misamis Oriental. By fostering an integrative, community-centered approach to conservation, this partnership sets a benchmark for protecting natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem. #ForgingMindsBetterTomorrow #MSUN

The Mindanao State University at Naawan is proud to announce that its logo is now officially registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. This registration grants the institution exclusive legal rights against any unauthorized use or imitation of the logo. As a result, only MSU at Naawan is authorized to utilize this licensed logo for brand marketing and related endeavors, reinforcing its commitment to protecting its unique identity and promoting its values effectively. Moreover, this protection not only safeguards the integrity of the university’s brand but also reinforces its vision, mission, and values in the community. The registered logo serves as a symbol of pride for students, faculty and staff, and alumni, embodying the institution’s dedication to excellence in education and service.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Function House buzzed with excitement as distinguished faculty members and researchers from various colleges presented their latest studies and innovations at the annual 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒖𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒔, a highlight of the 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: 𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤. The event, moderated by Ms. Serpolette V. Bohol (morning) and Ms. Jovelyn L. Cabanatan (afternoon), opened with warm words from Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, who expressed her excitement and sincere gratitude to the panel of evaluators and the presenters for taking the challenge. Evaluating the presentations was a distinguished panel of experts, including: -𝐃𝐫. 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐓. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐥, Professor of Metallurgical Engineering, KTTO Director, and ITSO General Manager at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology -𝐃𝐫. 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐉. 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞, MSUN Professor Emeritus and a recognized leader in research and academic excellence -𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐘. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐧, expert in socio-economics research, resource appraisal, and impact assessment with decades of experience in both fieldwork and academia and a retired professor of MSUN Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, Research Director, formally introduced the evaluators, who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event, ensuring rigorous and insightful feedback for the participants. Thirteen presenters proudly represented their respective colleges, showcasing the diversity and depth of expertise at MSUN. The event featured lively intellectual discussions as presenters shared their dissertation and thesis outcomes. They eloquently responded to questions from the evaluators and captivated the audience with their work. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝: From the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: -Mr. Kean Roe F. Mazo – “DNA and leaf geomorphometrics analyses of Saurauia Willd. (Actinidiaceae) in Zamboanga del Norte: Including new discovery and rediscoveries” -Mr. Christian Fel S. Batoctoy – “Effectiveness of the KAANIB Enterprise Development Project (KEDP) Community/ Household–Level Coconut Processing Project (CHLCPP) component in Bukidnon: The case of Kibawe and Damulog” -Ms. Jolibe Llido – “Above and belowground response of rice genotypes to pH change in the rhizosphere attributed by nitrogen nutrition” -Ms. Rochelle A. Paculba – “Productive performance of 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯 X Jersey Cows fed with high and low protein levels in a commercial farm” From the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲: -Ms. Estherlina Jr D. Pontioso – “Employability and academic performance of financial management students vis-à-vis industry skill set preference” -Ms. Maria Leah E. Suazo – “The influence of economic challenges and strategies on the resilience of micro food enterprises” From the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: -Mr. Erniel Ghrizcer G. Ecle – “Development and utilization of AVL with OLS: Its effects on students’ conceptual understanding and common misconceptions” -Ms. Rebecca T. Matados – “Socioscientific issue-based instruction on pre-service science teachers’ academic performance and attitude” From the 𝐌𝐒𝐔𝐍-𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥: -Ms. Charry G. Altamia – “Designing a framework for sociolinguistic profiles and translation proficiency: Reading comprehension implications” From the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: -Dr. Trilbe Lizann E. Vasquez – “Mass formula for self-dual codes over GR(p³, r)” -Mr. Edwin E. Dumalagan Jr. – “Spatial variability in benthic assemblage structure in shallow and upper mesophotic ecosystems in the Philippines” From the 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: -Ms. Rowelyn M. Sargadillos – “Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon profile of microplastic-contaminated smoked Bali Sardinella, 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶 (Bleeker, 1853), and the potential food safety risk” -Mr. Emmanuel S. Delloro Jr. – “Some aspects of reproductive biology and morphology of 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 caught by baby otter trawl in Carles, Iloilo, Philippines” The colloquium concluded with an air of anticipation, as the winners of the Best Paper, Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Proposal (Project Pitching), and Best Booth/Stall categories were announced during the Closing Ceremony and Awarding, which immediately followed the event.

Commemorating 63rd Mindanao State University (MSU) founding anniversary and 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the MSU at Naawan enjoyed a series of festive events on September 1, 2024. Organized by the Human Resource Management Office, in coordination with the Culture and Sports Development Office, the day began an hour before dawn with a fitness walk followed by a Zumba session. “We celebrate today not just successfully arriving at the 63rd mark of MSU’s journey, but we are actually celebrating the journey itself – the progress that we experience, the process that we all take. It is a state university that is marked with excellence, with growth, and with impact, not only to the community, but even to our personal lives,” said Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato in her opening remarks. She also added, “Many of us probably had principles and beliefs before we came to MSU. But as many of us are graduates of MSU, we actually learn diversity, we learn unity, we learn to coexist, and those marks are what we are as MSUan.” Furthermore, Asst. Prof. Ambato emphasized the resilience, collaboration, and shared commitment that have defined MSU’s journey. She highlighted the significance of the university’s mission to provide quality and affordable education to the MinSuPala region, particularly to Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. She concluded by congratulating the entire MSU family for their dedication and for being part of this incredible legacy. The festivities continued with the Laro ng Kawani ng Gobyerno, an event enjoyed by faculty, staff, and even students, and concluded with an Employee General Assembly. Founded on September 1, 1961, through Republic Act 1387 and Republic Act 1893, MSU has grown significantly in response to national and local needs. Originally established by the late Senator Domocao Alonto with its main campus in Marawi City, the university has expanded into a system with multiple campuses across major regions in Mindanao and Sulu. As we celebrate 63 years of success, MSU remains committed to its mission and looks forward to many more years of excellence and service to the community.  Once again happy 63rd birthday, MSU!

On August 23, 2024, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) conducted an orientation program for all graduate students at the Function House. Present in the program were Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato, College of Marine and Allied Sciences Dean Dr. Jesrael B. Palco, College of Education and Social Sciences Dean Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador, Office of Students Services and Development Asst. Prof. Sylvia C. Labial, Director for Research Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences Dean Dr. Sonny A. Vedra, Campus Librarian Ms. Ethelyn M. Abaday, Accounting Office Staff Mr. Alger W. Cabrera, and Graduate Program Coordinators of different colleges.  Furthermore, the orientation provided students with valuable information about the university’s vision, mission, goals, and academic policies. They also learned about faculty profiles, program guidelines, scholarship opportunities, enrollment procedures, ethics, guidance, counseling services, library and research facilities, and billing processes.

With the theme, “Empowered Minds Forged for Limitless Opportunities,” Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) held its 36th Commencement Exercises on July 29, 2024, at the Training and Students Activity Center. Setting the tone, Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa delivered her welcome remarks before she introduced the commencement speaker, acknowledging the culmination of the graduates’ hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. “As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, remember that the education you have received here at MSU at Naawan is more than just a degree. It is a foundation upon which you will build your future, a toolkit that will help you navigate the complexities of the world, and a beacon that will guide you toward making a positive impact on society,” emphasized Dr. Roa. Furthermore, this year’s Commencement speaker was Misamis Oriental Governor Hon. Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia, who shared his humble beginnings as a scholar of Xavier University’s Jesuit priests and highlighted the importance of education.  “𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘰 𝘰𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘰 𝘰𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰 𝘴𝘢 𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥, 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘢, 𝘰𝘨 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘥 (Use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to make a positive impact on your community, our province, and our nation),” stressed Gov. Unabia. With key stakeholders present, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, MSU System President, quoted French chemist Louis Pasteur: “Indeed, fortune favors the prepared,” and added the ancient version: “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat” (Fortune assists the Bold). “In your chosen career, wherever your steps lead you, I hope you carry the sense of mission that MSU has infused in you, the yearning for a more decent and better world order, contributing to peace-building and harmony,” said Atty. Mapupuno. Among the 770 graduates, 43 achieved magna cum laude, 264 cum laude, 4 with high honors, and 54 with honors. Batch Harinawa’s Valedictorian, Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, was also awarded with University Student Leadership Award, Kampilan Leadership Award, DK Villaluz Sr. University Leadership Award, MSUNFSTDI Science Leadership Award, Leadership Service Award as Supreme Student Council President, Debate Award, Excellent Academic Distinction from BFAR-X, and UniFAST Academic Excellence Award. “Excellence, at its core, is not about surpassing others but about surpassing ourselves. It is about striving to be the best versions of ourselves. When excellence is mistaken for competition, the focus shifts from personal growth to comparison and rivalry,” Barranco emphasized.  He concluded with, “Para kanino ka bumabangon? And I hope your response will be: Para sa pangarap at Para sa bayan.” Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prof. J. Prospero E. de Vera III and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go shared congratulatory messages to the graduates through pre-recorded videos. Moreover, the ceremony also featured a ceremonial turnover of six million pesos in financial assistance from the Project Governance Management Office of Misamis Oriental to MSUN for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The event concluded with the pledge of loyalty to the alma mater by College Leadership Awardee and former SSC President Van Jason D. Arellano, followed by the Alumni Oath presided over by MSU Alumni Regent Hon. Renato D. Boniao. The MSUN administration, faculty, and staff extend their best wishes for continued success to Batch Harinawa in their future endeavors.

The Mindanao State University at Naawan ranks 63rd among 300+ universities in the Philippines in the recently published list of Webometric Ranking of World Universities as of July 2024. This ranking places MSUN among the top tier of over 300 universities in the country, marking a significant improvement from its previous position at 192nd. The Webometric Ranking of World Universities evaluates universities based on their web presence, visibility, and impact, providing a holistic view of their reach and influence in the digital space. For MSUN, this rise in ranking reflects not only its enhanced online presence but also its overall academic reputation and institutional advancement. Furthermore, the success of MSUN is mirrored across other campuses within the Mindanao State University (MSU) System. MSU Iligan Institute of Technology securing the 7th spot, MSU Main/Marawi Campus at 9th, MSU General Santos at 53rd, and MSU Tawi-Tawi TCTO at 112th further underscores the collective strength and diverse capabilities of the MSU System. This distributed excellence across multiple campuses highlights MSU’s commitment to providing quality education, conducting impactful research, and contributing significantly to regional development and national progress