MSUN

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. 

Marking a significant step in institutionalizing quality management across its operations, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) formally received its ISO 9001:2015 certification in a milestone Certification Awarding and Oath Taking Ceremony held on April 29, 2026, at the Training and Student Activity Center. The certification, granted by TÜV SÜD, affirms the university’s compliance with internationally recognized standards, highlighting its commitment to efficient systems, consistent service delivery, and continuous improvement. Opening the program, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda D. Perpetua, CPA reflected on the institution’s journey toward certification, stating, “Today is a celebration of our journey that tested our commitment but strengthened and ultimately made us discover what we are capable of as MSU Naawanons.” The highlight of the ceremony was the formal awarding of the certification led by Ms. Ma. Michelle Guanlao and Ms. Denise Marie Rageth. In her inspirational message, Ms. Guanlao emphasized the significance of the achievement, saying, “This certification is a testament to your unwavering commitment to quality, excellence, and continuous improvement. Each member of your team has played a crucial role in this success, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, innovation, and steadfast focus on quality.” She further expressed the organization’s support, adding, “We, at TÜV SÜD, are proud to partner with you on this journey.” MSUN Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa highlighted the deeper impact of the certification on the university’s culture, noting, “What makes this achievement truly meaningful is not the certificate itself, but the transformation it created within us. We learned to listen more carefully. We learned to work more systematically. And most importantly, we learned to trust one another more deeply.” Alongside the certification awarding, an oath taking ceremony was administered by Naawan Vice Mayor Hon. Alan B. Roa for 34 newly appointed, 22 newly promoted, and 23 newly reclassified employees.  Representing the newly promoted personnel, Ms. Hezyl Mae L. Nob shared, “This is not something that I achieved on my own. It reflects the guidance and the support of people around me and of the MSU at Naawan community. And for that, I am very grateful.” In her closing remarks, Ms. Heidie Amor A. Parcia, Director for Quality Assurance and Management System, underscored the collective effort behind the achievement, stating, “ISO certification is our shared effort, responsibility, and success. The awarding of the ISO 9001:2015 certification is not merely a testament to compliance with international standards—it is a clear manifestation of our collective commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement in all that we do.” The ceremony concluded with photo opportunities across offices, symbolizing a unified institutional effort behind the certification.  With this achievement, MSUN reinforces its position as a quality-driven university committed to excellence in service and governance.

Advancing science-driven solutions for sustainable fisheries, Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) co-hosted the 10th National Fisheries Biotechnology Symposium on April 22–23, 2026, in Initao, Misamis Oriental. Organized by the Fisheries Biotechnology Center of the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), in collaboration with MSUN, the symposium gathered experts, researchers, and stakeholders from across the country to exchange knowledge and foster collaborations aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector. Carrying the theme, “From Research to Sustainability: Biotechnology Advancing Resilient and Food-Secure Fisheries,” the event emphasized the critical role of innovation and research in ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in the fisheries industry. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Chancellor of MSUN, emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing fisheries biotechnology. “Welcome to the 10th National Fisheries Biotechnology Symposium… Let this symposium be a space where partnerships are formed, knowledge is shared generously, and common purpose is strengthened,” she said. Furthermore, the opening message of Maria Theresa M. Mutia, Executive Director of DA-NFRDI, delivered by Casiano H. Choresca Jr., highlighted the role of the symposium in bridging research and real-world application. “This symposium serves as a platform not only for academic discourse, but also for forging meaningful collaborations that translate research into real-world impact,” the message read. Messages of support were also delivered by Edward B. Yasay, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region X; Abdulcader M. Ayo, MSU System Executive Vice President; and Mercy Grace J. Acain, Municipal Mayor of Initao. Serving as keynote speaker, Ma. Jodecel C. Daunting, Center Chief of the DA-BFAR National Freshwater Technology Center, underscored the significance of the milestone event. “Today we celebrate not only science but also a decade of home, innovation, and our shared responsibility for the future,” she stated. The symposium formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and exhibit showcasing innovations and research outputs in fisheries biotechnology. Moreover, a series of plenary sessions featured distinguished experts, including Dr. Wilfred John E. Santiañez on harnessing the biotechnological potential of Philippine seaweeds; Dr. Peter A. Palma on sustainable fish breeding innovations; Dr. Joseph Leopoldo Laranja on feed conversion ratios and environmental balance; Dr. Mary Jane Amar on feed biotechnology; Dr. Christopher Caipang on molecular surveillance for mangrove crab aquaculture; and Dr. Maria Rowena Romana-Eguia on the use of AquaGRIS for sustainable management of aquatic genetic resources. Highlighting academic excellence and engagement, the event also hosted the National Fisheries Biotechnology Quiz Bee, moderated by Fernand Fagutao, where University of the Philippines Visayas emerged as champion. The two-day symposium reinforced the vital role of research, innovation, and collaboration in ensuring a resilient, sustainable, and food-secure fisheries sector – demonstrating how science can drive meaningful impact from communities to national development.