Mindanao State University - General Santos

Today, we remember the life and legacy of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose courage and sacrifice became a cornerstone of our nation’s journey toward freedom and democracy.

As our country faces new challenges, may Ninoy’s legacy remind us that democracy is not only something we remember, it is something we uphold through our choices and our commitment to one another.

May we keep the spirit of freedom alive, not only in remembrance, but in the way we serve and stand for what is right.

Mabuhay ang diwa ng kalayaan!

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐁𝐄 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is proposing two new graduate programs for Academic Year 2027–2028: the Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (MSABE) and the Master in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (MABE).

As part of the process of developing these proposed programs, the Department is calling for respondents to participate and provide valuable insights that will help assess the interest and potential demand for these graduate offerings. Interested respondents are encouraged to take part and contribute to the development of graduate education in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at MSU - GenSan.

Scan the QR code in the pubmat or access the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGO5orHWdijEOTIpY5v6-kRSa-72tyOGNf7qlmwZ1ZVjsjbQ/viewform

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Mindanao State University-General Santos conducted the New Security Personnel Deployment Orientation on August 18, 2026, at the Audio-Visual Room of the University Library, as part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen campus security and ensure a safe and orderly environment for the MSU-GenSan community.

The orientation brought together newly deployed security personnel from Amanah Security Services, along with University officials, deans, directors, and unit heads, to provide the security team with an overview of University policies, security protocols, emergency procedures, and expectations in the performance of their duties.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, highlighted the significance of the new security deployment in strengthening the University’s security system.

“This is a very significant milestone for our University. We envision strengthening our security system to provide a more responsive security mechanism for our growing campus. This has been part of our development and our institutional aspirations,” Dr. Lawas said.

During his message, University Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, discussed the University’s transition to outsourced security services in accordance with the CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that security personnel receive the appropriate protections and benefits through their agency.

Chancellor Abantas likewise reminded the newly deployed personnel of their critical role in maintaining campus safety. “You are the ones we put at the gate, meaning you are the ones in the first line of defense. So, let’s protect the University,” he said.

The orientation continued with an overview of University policies, rules, and regulations presented by Prof. Sheila J. Loable, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. This was followed by a discussion on the Code of Conduct, Professional Ethics, and Proper Decorum by Atty. Khalidbinwalid D. Moner, Director of Legal Services Office.

Mr. Dennis D. Toroba, Head Security Officer, presented the security protocols, emergency response plans, coordination procedures, and incident reporting mechanisms to help prepare the personnel for various situations they may encounter while on duty.

Meanwhile, Prof. Randy P. Asturias, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, presented the Fatima Campus Site Plan to familiarize the newly deployed personnel with the campus layout and their respective areas of assignment.

The program also featured a special performance by the Kabpapagariya Ensemble and an open forum, allowing participants to raise concerns and clarify matters related to their deployment and responsibilities.

The activity concluded with a campus tour and orientation to assigned posts led by Shobair T. Abantas Sr., Director of the Investigation and Security Response Unit, followed by the signing of commitment and acknowledgement forms. Dr. Norman Ralph B. Isla, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services, delivered the closing remarks.

Through the deployment orientation, MSU-GenSan continues to strengthen its campus security mechanisms by ensuring that its security personnel are properly oriented and prepared to uphold a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟐 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Mindanao State University - General Santos commenced the construction of the Phase 2 Junior High School Building during a ceremony held on August 17, 2026, marking another milestone in the University’s continuing investment in basic education infrastructure.

In his message, University Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, emphasized that the project is part of the University’s preparations to accommodate the Junior High School in the main campus without compromising the quality of education it provides.

“This is only part of our efforts so that when they transfer here in the main campus, we’re ready. So we don’t compromise the quality of education that our CETD Junior High School is providing,” Chancellor Abantas said.

The Chancellor also highlighted the potential of the Junior High School to further serve as a laboratory school for the College of Education once it is situated closer to its mother unit. He noted that this setup could provide opportunities for the application of educational research and innovations in the laboratory school.

Following the recent experience of the University with the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, Chancellor Abantas also emphasized the importance of ensuring the structural integrity and resilience of the new building.

Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, likewise highlighted the importance of infrastructure in achieving academic excellence and providing students with a quality educational experience.

“Quality education is inseparable with quality infrastructure for our learners,” Dr. Lawas said, emphasizing that appropriate facilities are essential to the holistic development of students alongside qualified faculty and strong academic programs.

The ceremony also featured the reading of the project profile and a message from the contractor, Ms. Hafida U. Basher of HB Construction. The activity culminated in the ceremonial groundbreaking and laying of the time capsule, followed by a photo opportunity.

Engr. Renante C. Magoncia, MS, Director of the CETD, Prof. Randy P. Asturias, D.Eng, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, and other University officials, faculty members, and stakeholders joined the ceremony.

The Phase 2 Junior High School Building project reflects MSU - GenSan’s continuing commitment to strengthening its educational infrastructure and creating facilities that support academic excellence and the University’s broader institutional aspirations.

MSU - GenSan stands in solidarity with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University community.

In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone affected by the tragic incident.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗠𝗦𝗨 — 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Mindanao State University — General Santos, through the CAST-SOX Project, conducted a Module Writing Seminar on August 17, 2026, at the OVRE Lounge Room of the Center for Biodiversity Studies in SOCCSKSARGEN (CBSS), bringing together selected faculty members and university representatives for a day of curriculum development and capacity building.

The seminar was conducted to strengthen the capacity of faculty members in developing competency-based learning modules and responsive educational programs, in line with the University’s continuing efforts to expand skills development, lifelong learning, and learning opportunities beyond traditional tertiary education.

The seminar featured sessions on the Development of Competency-Based Curriculum and a writeshop facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with discussions focused on strengthening faculty competencies in developing responsive, competency-based learning materials.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Mishell Lawas, D.Engg., highlighted the importance of ensuring that education remains responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served by the University. “The question is no longer how to do things, but how we respond and remain relevant to the community where we are serving”, she said.
The activity forms part of the capacity-building initiatives under the CAST-SOX Project, led by Dr. Ryan G. Banal, which seeks to equip selected faculty members with relevant competencies aligned with emerging educational and workforce needs.

The seminar also included open forums and a writeshop, providing participants with opportunities to apply the concepts discussed and collaborate in developing competency-based modules.
The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks from Dr. Ryan G. Banal, CAST-SOX Project Leader, underscoring MSU — GenSan’s continuing commitment to innovation, and responsive education.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗠𝗦𝗨 — 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗦𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗣𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Mindanao State University — General Santos’ Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) has been recommended for certification following the evaluation conducted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) Evaluation Team on August 17, 2026, at the CSSH Mini Theater.
The evaluation provided MSU — GenSan an opportunity to present the MPA program’s accomplishments, practices, and continuing efforts to uphold quality instruction, strengthen student services, and ensure compliance with CHED standards.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Mario J. Aguja, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), emphasized the significance of the MPA program to MSU — GenSan’s public service mission, particularly in developing competent public administrators who can contribute meaningfully to institutions and communities across General Santos City, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Mindanao.
“We view this COPC visit not simply as a compliance exercise, but as an important opportunity for reflection, validation, and continuous improvement,” he said.

This was followed by a message of support from University Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, who underscored the University’s commitment to continuously strengthening its academic programs and ensuring their responsiveness to the needs of the public sector and the communities it serves.
“We view today’s evaluation not as an end, but as a part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen our offerings and ensure that they remain responsive to the public sector and the communities we serve,” Chancellor Abantas said.

The evaluation proceeded with the introduction of MSU — GenSan key officials by Prof. Monsour A. Pelmin, Ph.D., Director of the Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Standards Office (QUAMSO), followed by the statement of purpose, introduction of the CHED National Evaluation Team, and presentation of the monitoring and evaluation plan.

The evaluation team also conducted a virtual tour of the campus and viewed the University’s promotional video before the presentation of the MPA Program led by Assoc. Prof. Joy C. Calva, DPA, Coordinator of the Master of Public Administration Program.

Following the evaluation, the MPA Program was found compliant with the assessed CHED standards and recommended for certification, with no non-conformities (NCs) noted during the evaluation.

The development marks another step in MSU — GenSan’s continuing pursuit of quality assurance and excellence in graduate education, strengthening its commitment to producing public administrators equipped with the knowledge and leadership capacities needed to serve the public effectively.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗠𝗦𝗨 — 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

The Mindanao State University — General Santos community gathered for its weekly flag-raising ceremony on August 17, 2026, led by the Physical Plant Division, Office of Monitoring & Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Management Services Office.

The ceremony began with the Muslim Prayer led by Engr. Omair S. Bogabong, MPA, followed by the IP Prayer led by Mr. Christian Melody and the Christian Prayer led by Mr. Romenito T. Nacion. The MSU — GenSan community then joined in the singing of the National Anthem, Bagong Pilipinas Hymn, and General Santos Hymn, followed by the Panata sa Bagong Pilipinas led by Ruby Jane Uy Facurib and the Panunumpa sa Lingkod Bayan led by Arviel Delos Santos.

The program concluded with announcements and the singing of the Himno ng Pamantasang Mindanao, with Omar Salik and Kristina Maureen Buhian serving as Masters of Ceremonies.

The weekly flag-raising ceremony reflects MSU — GenSan’s continuing commitment to unity and public service as one University community.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝐌𝐒𝐔 – 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞ñ𝐚, 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐒𝐔 – 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐔𝐂

Mindanao State University – General Santos proudly welcomed back Atty. Cyrus E. Torreña, DPA, MNSA, its alumnus and newly elected 5th University President of Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU). His appointment marks a historic milestone as the first-ever MSU – GenSan alumnus to become president of a State University and College (SUC).

A proud MSU – GenSan alumnus of the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management program, President Torreña’s visit highlighted the continuing connection between the University and one of its
distinguished graduates.

The courtesy visit also served as an opportunity for University officials to discuss potential future partnerships and collaborations between MSU – GenSan and SKSU, particularly in areas that may strengthen academic and community initiatives.