MSU Division of Student Affairs

Congratulations to Ms. Barapantao on becoming the new Editor-in-Chief of the Mindanao Varsitarian, and our sincere thanks to Mr. Abdul Hafiz Malawani for his dedication and service. We wish you both continued growth and success in your journeys. Your DSA family will always be here to support you.

Feature Ed Barapantao assumes post as new MV Editor-in-Chief

MARAWI CITY, Philippines — Mindanao Varsitarian (MV) Feature Editor Alyanna Fatmah Barapantao named as the new Editor-in-Chief (EIC) for the second semester of A.Y. 2025-2026 up to the first semester A.Y. 2026-2027 on Wednesday, December 17 at the Division of Student Affairs office.

Former EIC Abdul Hafiz Malawani passed down the office after serving as head of the student publication for three semesters since 2024.

MV Editorial Board and its members convened to discuss the EIC position that led to Barapantao being appointed and took oath as the new head. The meeting was guided by the MV advisers.

Barapantao served as feature editor and standing associate editor during the term of Malawani. The new EIC joined the publication on August 2024 starting as a staffer.

The new MV head stated the preparation of plans in store for the new term and the goal of having a unified vision within the publication.

The turnover ceremony for the EIC position and the appointment of the new set of Editorial Board is set to happen next year before the start of the second semester.

Report by Steven Ner Franz Estobo

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𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀

During today’s flag ceremony, MSU System President Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA issued a strong directive to the community to prioritize the protection of the MSU-Main Campus, describing it as the "campus of the future generation." He urged all employees to ensure the university remains the "safest and cleanest," emphasizing that the community must "show the world that, together, we can do it."

To support this vision of a revitalized university, President Tago announced plans for the intensive improvement of infrastructure, particularly campus facilities and buildings, and the possible creation of a Clean and Beautification Committee. He also noted that designated parking areas are planned for implementation next year to further organize the campus. The event also served as the venue to introduce newly designated officials who will assist in these developments.

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: The 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 had a consultation with university student leaders in regards with matters concerning the student body from student welfare and campus life up until to student support systems.

The consultation provided a space for honest conversations, collaborative planning, and direct feedback. Through these initiatives, the DSA remains committed to continuously strengthening student affairs and ensuring that the needs, voices, and the well-being of the students remain at the heart of the university.

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: On November 20, 2025, the 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 joined the 𝐗𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚 at the ribbon-cutting of their newly renovated hall.

The Division of Student Affairs witnessed this moment, we, too, strengthened our commitment to uplift every initiative, every project, and every dream that brings our students closer to their fullest potential.

With student leaders present, Xi Kappa Sigma reaffirmed their mission to stand with the students, to guide them, and to help them grow into leaders of their own.

A renewed hall, a renewed bond, and a renewed promise which is all for the students, and always for their future.

Today, we celebrate not just an award, but a story of dedication and heart.

Our JRSMP University Representative 𝑴𝒓. 𝑱𝒖𝒏-𝑵𝒂𝒋𝒂𝒓 𝑫.𝑮. 𝑨𝒃𝒖𝒃𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒓 has been honored as an 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 2025, and we are deeply proud of the excellence, humility, and leadership you’ve shown throughout your journey.

He represented not only MSU Marawi but the entire BARMM with steadfast dedication. In every space he stepped into, he never failed to speak about his deep love for the Bangsamoro people—always highlighting their resilience, culture, and shared aspirations. His words and actions reflected a sincere commitment to uplifting the community and honoring its identity.

We also want to sincerely thank the University President Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Minerva-Saminah M.Naga and mostly to our DSA Director Aisa D. Dianalan-Munder. Your support and care for our students truly make achievements like this possible.

This moment reminds us of what we can achieve when we lift each other up. Here’s to celebrating today — and aiming even higher tomorrow. Congratulations Jun!

Highly commendable! Thank you MSU Main - Supreme Student Government 👏

#𝗠𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗠 𝗦𝗦𝗚 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Two resolutions were successfully approved during the 74th Federation of MSU Supreme Student Councils (FEMSUSSCO) Executive Meeting held at MSU-Buug from November 10 to 11, 2025.

In assembling these policies, the SSG heeded the collective call of the student body. The following resolutions were presented and approved for BOR Approval and Notation, respectively:

𝟭. 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗢. 𝟮𝟮, 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 (𝗢𝗩𝗖𝗦𝗦), 𝗜𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗦 (𝗗𝗦𝗔);

𝟮. 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧-𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗦, 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦;

MSU-M SSG remains steadfast in advancing the best interests of the students and in championing policies that contribute to the continuous improvement of the university.

We were honored to welcome our University President Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA during his surprise visit to the Division of Student Affairs.

Part of his ongoing agenda is regular office rounds to personally connect with and support MSU offices. Thank you Sir President!

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹 𝗬𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡–𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮–𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

The Supreme Student Government (SSG) commends its Chief Justice, Abdul Yusoph Batao, for representing the Philippines and MSU–Main as one of the Filipino delegates at the ASEAN–China–India Youth Leadership Summit in Singapore on October 26–31, 2025.

The summit gathered 120 emerging leaders from 12 countries to promote cross-cultural understanding, strengthen leadership skills, and empower youth-driven solutions to global challenges. CJ Batao and his ACIYL team, Rise1, also ranked among the Top Teams in the Sustainability Startathon, showcasing excellence and innovation.

The truth will not always please you, it only gives you the facts.

Volume 36, Issue 1 brings you the truths you need to hear, the stories you must remember, and the issues that once shook us.

As we commemorate the December 3 Dimaporo Gymnasium bombing incident, this issue brings you back to what transpired during the academic year 2024–2025, and to the stories that must be told again.

Genuine peace is achieved only when it meets truth.

A meaningful conclusion to the internship journey of our MAED Major in Guidance and Counseling students from the College of Education, MSU Marawi. Today, they wrapped up their immersion after being exposed to actual interviews and listening sessions with fellow MSUans, followed by insightful debriefings with our Guidance Services Specialists.

We commend their dedication, professionalism, and eagerness to learn throughout this journey. May this experience continue to shape you into compassionate and competent future guidance counselors. Congratulations!

Amaliah Sultanbatao shines as Bangsamoro Peace Champion 2025 finalist

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Mindanao State University Marawi student Amaliah Sultanbatao was recognized one of the finalists of the 2025 Bangsamoro Peace Champions at Cotabato City on November 28.

The Ministry of Public Order and Safety's annual flagship program, the Search for the Bangsamoro Peace Champions, aims to identify grassroots peacebuilders whose creative and inclusive methods continue to fortify the peace's foundations. This program ties back to the ministry's significance in law enforcement, public safety, and peacebuilding initiatives.

This year, finalists came from Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, SGA (Special Geographic Area), and Lanao del Sur. Among them was Sultanbatao, a 4th year public administration student whose interest revolved around local governance and policy making. She currently serves as assistant secretary to MSU Office of Student Regent.

Before the recognition as a peace champion, Sultanbao is already dedicated to public service and promoting good governance. She is an alumna of the Bangsamoro Youth Parliament 2021 and served as Chairperson for Ranaw Youth Development Council's Committee on Rules, Peacebuilding, and Security from 2022 to 2025.

The young leader then expanded her advocacies to the digital worl and founded Knaledge Ranaw in 2023, a youth-led organization that aims to promote media information literacy, youth empowerment, and good governance. Among the organization's projects were "Digitalino" and "Politicraft", which was implemented in several parts of Lanao del Sur, targeting youth as audience.

"This award is not mine alone. It reflects the dedication of KNALedge Ranaw. It honors our founders, our org partners, our funders, our members, and every volunteer who offered their time to turn our ideas into real impact," Sultanbatao said in an interview with Mindanao Varsitarian.

She admitted that she did not see herself to be in this field. In her early days, the youth parliamentarian first aspired to be an architect or a Philippine Military Academy cadette.

Seeing how she shifted from a nursing student to a public administration one, Sultanbatao sees this redirection as a surprise yet fulfillment to the interest in policy making that BYP 2021 once ignited in her.

Sultanbatao continues to inspire the youth through her peacebuilding and local governance initiatives. She makes a remarkable testament of a modern yet context-grounded approach to the persisting issues in the BARMM region.

Report by Nazremah Asimpin