WMSU-College of Social Work and Community Development

27/09/2026

ATTENTION 4TH YEAR BSSW and BSCD!

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒-𝐔𝐏 | 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

There is a peculiar tenderness in realizing that the places we once hurried through will, one day, be the places we wish we could return to. The same corridors, familiar faces, passing conversations, and unremarkable afternoons may seem almost insignificant while they are happening, only to become dear when they belong to a time we can no longer reach. Perhaps this is what a photograph preserves: a fleeting version of life, held still long enough for us to recognize its worth.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫, the Official Yearbook Publication of 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, unveils the 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬 for the graduation pictorial, scheduled from 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. For the grad-waiting students from the following colleges, your moment in front of the lens awaits:

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

For more information on the pictorial and the packages offered, check the links below.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZjv7fjRL/

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
https://tinyurl.com/wmsu2027hmugps

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EvjRMV7jr/

Further announcements and updates will be posted on the official page of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫. Be sure to like and follow the page to stay informed of the latest information regarding the graduation pictorial.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Mary Alessandra Superio

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒-𝐔𝐏 | 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

There is a peculiar tenderness in realizing that the places we once hurried through will, one day, be the places we wish we could return to. The same corridors, familiar faces, passing conversations, and unremarkable afternoons may seem almost insignificant while they are happening, only to become dear when they belong to a time we can no longer reach. Perhaps this is what a photograph preserves: a fleeting version of life, held still long enough for us to recognize its worth.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫, the Official Yearbook Publication of 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, unveils the 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬 for the graduation pictorial, scheduled from 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. For the grad-waiting students from the following colleges, your moment in front of the lens awaits:

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

For more information on the pictorial and the packages offered, check the links below.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZjv7fjRL/

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
https://tinyurl.com/wmsu2027hmugps

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EvjRMV7jr/

Further announcements and updates will be posted on the official page of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫. Be sure to like and follow the page to stay informed of the latest information regarding the graduation pictorial.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Mary Alessandra Superio

18/09/2026

CSWCD REPRESENTS LAOS AT WMSU ASEAN CELEBRATION 2026! 🇱🇦

The College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) proudly joins the WMSU ASEAN Celebration 2026 in commemoration of the 59th Founding Anniversary of Association of Southeast Asian Nations carrying this year’s inspiring theme:“Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Representing Laos 🇱🇦, the CSWCD community celebrates the rich culture, traditions, heritage, and identity of the Lao people while strengthening the spirit of ASEAN unity, friendship, diversity, and cooperation.

The celebration was held on September 18, 2026, at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium, Western Mindanao State University.

Through this celebration, the CSWCD joins the wider WMSU community in recognizing that despite our diverse cultures and identities, we remain connected by a shared vision of a stronger, more inclusive, and united ASEAN.

One ASEAN. One Community. One Future.

17/09/2026

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿-𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

As the ship sails again, the 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔) pride rises once more.

"𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆" stands as a testament to what has been built before and what continues to define the present. Once again taking center stage, four Crimsons emerged among the top-performing examinees of the September 2026 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐖𝐋𝐄), bringing distinction to the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃).

With their sails already catching the winds of distinction, 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐧 first marked WMSU’s showing with a 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 finish at 𝟗𝟏.𝟒𝟎%. The ascent continued as 𝐙𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐚 and 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 secured 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟖 spots with matching 𝟗𝟏.𝟖𝟎% ratings. At the helm of the remarkable helm, 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 reached the 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟕 with 𝟗𝟐.𝟎𝟎%.

These achievements reach beyond pen and paper, carrying their names into a wider sphere of recognition and showing that excellence is shaped long before the results are announced. Behind every percentage are discipline, preparation, and commitment. Their success reflects the spirit of social work: grounded in service, compassion, and an enduring commitment to communities.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫 proudly congratulates the four topnotchers and all newly registered social workers on this milestone. With one remarkable feat now behind them, may their sails rise toward the work that awaits, guided by the same determination that brought them this far. As they chart what lies ahead, may they carry not only the lessons learned in the classroom, but also the sense of purpose that gives meaning to the journey.

Layout by: Alia Gadjali
Words by: Ladimar Sawabi

17/09/2026

𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Fourth-year students of the Community Development Program under the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) strengthened their knowledge of workplace ethics, professional responsibility, and protection against sexual harassment during the Seminar on Work Ethics and Anti-Sexual Harassment (WEASH) held on September 16, 2026.

The seminar was conducted as part of the students’ preparation for their upcoming internships, providing them with essential knowledge and practical guidance on professional conduct and responsible behavior in workplace and community settings. The activity emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful, safe, inclusive, and ethical environments, particularly for future community development professionals who will engage with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.

The College of Social Work and Community Development invited the Gender and Development Services of the Office of the City Mayor, City Government of Zamboanga, through City Gender and Development Officer Wilfredo J. Aporongao, to serve as resource speaker. Aporongao discussed key provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, popularly known as the “Bawal Bastos Law,” including gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, and educational and training institutions. He also emphasized the importance of professional ethics, particularly in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, respecting human dignity, exercising accountability, and upholding integrity in community development practice.

“Empowering you to stand up for yourselves and others, and to create safe, inclusive environments wherever you go,” Aporongao emphasized, underscoring the responsibility of future community development professionals to contribute to workplaces and communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The students actively participated in the discussion, raising questions and sharing insights on situations they may encounter during their internship and future professional practice. Practical scenarios allowed the participants to connect legal provisions and ethical principles with real-world workplace situations, including inappropriate behavior, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other concerns affecting safety and professional relationships.

The WEASH seminar underscored that workplace ethics and anti-sexual harassment awareness are essential components of professional preparation. For future community development professionals, this understanding is particularly significant as their work involves facilitating community participation, engaging diverse sectors, building partnerships, and supporting initiatives that promote inclusive and responsive development.

The activity reinforces the College of Social Work and Community Development’s commitment to preparing graduates who are competent, ethical, gender-responsive, and socially responsible. As they begin their internship journey, the students carry with them a stronger understanding of their legal and professional responsibilities—and the responsibility to help foster safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces and communities.

Junto-junto kita dale buen servicio para na igualdad de todo los género — para na mas progresivo y inclusivo Ciudad de Zamboanga. ⛵️

For more GAD information, visit our official website at https://bit.ly/GADSZCCorner

17/09/2026

𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓!

WMSU extends its warmest congratulations to all WMSU graduates who successfully passed the Social Workers Licensure Examination, with special recognition to our four topnotchers who earned places among the highest-ranking examinees.

Their success brings great honor not only to themselves and their families, but also to the entire WMSU community.

The University likewise extends its sincere commendation to the faculty members of the College of Social Work and Community Development whose dedication, guidance, and commitment to quality education have helped shape these successful professionals.

Congratulations, Crimsons!

16/09/2026

A TRIUMPH OF EXCELLENCE, DEDICATION, AND COLLECTIVE SUPPORT! 💚

The College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) of Western Mindanao State University proudly celebrates a remarkable achievement in the 2026 Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE) held on September 9, 10, and 11, 2026!

With immense pride and gratitude, we celebrate our FOUR OUTSTANDING TOPNOTCHERS who have brought honor and distinction to the College and the University:

TOP 7 – MICHELLE ANN R. REGIDOR — 92%
TOP 8 – ZSANYNN ROSE B. BALAGOSA — 91.80%
TOP 8 – KRIZELLE ANN B. MAMALAYAN — 91.80%
TOP 10 – RONEL R. GULLON — 91.40%

Your exceptional performance reflects your perseverance, discipline, determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the social work profession. You have transformed years of learning, countless hours of preparation, challenges, sacrifices, and prayers into a moment of extraordinary achievement.

But today, we celebrate more than our Topnotchers. We also proudly celebrate the 113 first-time takers who successfully passed the examination, achieving an outstanding 98.26% first-time taker passing rate, as well as an impressive 93.20% overall passing rate.

To all our successful passers, CONGRATULATIONS!

This achievement is a reflection of your dedication and the collective efforts of everyone who became part of your journey. Each name represents a story of perseverance. Each passing mark represents countless hours of preparation. And every success represents the support of families, friends, mentors, faculty members, and the entire CSWCD community.

To our University President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, the College of Social Work and Community Development extends its heartfelt and profound gratitude for your unwavering support, trust, and commitment to our College. Your leadership and continued support have helped nurture an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence, embrace their potential, and prepare themselves for meaningful service to society. Thank you, Dr. Ochotorena, for believing in CSWCD. Your support has been an important part of our continuing journey toward excellence, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the growth and success of our students and our College.

To our faculty members, and mentors, thank you for your dedication, patience, guidance, and commitment to educating and shaping our future social workers. Your lessons extended far beyond the classroom, they became foundations upon which our students built their dreams and professional aspirations.

To the families, friends, loved ones, and supporters of our examinees, thank you for standing beside them throughout this journey. Your encouragement, prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering belief helped them persevere through one of the most challenging chapters of their academic journey.

And to our four Topnotchers and all successful passers, today is your moment. Celebrate this achievement. Be proud of how far you have come. But remember that the license you have earned carries with it a greater responsibility, to serve, to empower, to advocate, and to stand with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
May you carry the values of compassion, integrity, social justice, human dignity, professional excellence, and commitment to service wherever your journey takes you.

Your achievement is not merely a number on a list. It is a testament to what can happen when dedication meets opportunity, when education meets purpose, and when dreams are pursued with courage and perseverance.

Today, the entire WMSU-CSWCD family celebrates with you!

FOUR TOPNOTCHERS.
113 FIRST-TIME PASSERS.
98.26% FIRST-TIME TAKER PASSING RATE.
93.20% OVERALL PASSING RATE.

ONE PROUD CSWCD FAMILY.

From the College of Social Work and Community Development, congratulations to our new generation of social workers!
May you continue to become professionals who are not only excellent in what you do, but also compassionate catalysts of positive change.

MALAYO NA, PERO MALAYO PA!
PADAYON, WMSU-CSWCD!

CONGRATULATIONS, TOPNOTCHERS!
CONGRATULATIONS, PASSERS!
CONGRATULATIONS, CSWCD FAMILY!

13/09/2026

𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐰: 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 ‘𝟐𝟔

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔: 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕—𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒊𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅.

On 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, the ancient pillars of the campus trembled as the banners of 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 - 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃) rose for the grand awakening of the 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, under the theme “𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐢, 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐰, 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚.” The boundary between the mortal and the divine blurred as four deities—𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐢, 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐢, 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐦—came together for a day of competition, performance, and fellowship, carrying the spirit of Filipino mythology into the present.

The morning began with a grand parade from Campus B to Campus A, as the four houses marched with pride, their banners unfurled, each distinct yet bound by the same spirit. Following the opening remarks, the games commenced with 𝑷𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒘, 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒖𝒅𝒚𝒂𝒕, a trial of light and shadow as tribes froze in place whenever a red signal flashed. 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒂𝒉𝒊 followed, bringing familiar 𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘺 into the competition and testing the agility and teamwork of each tribe. As the sun climbed higher, 𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒏 called forth the spirit of 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, where an oversized beach ball brought each house together on the court.

As the afternoon descended, the battlefield shifted from physical contests to challenges in language and performance as students put their command of English and Filipino to the test in literary skirmishes. The stage then came alive with 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒍-𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂 as voices rang through the venue with students taking the spotlight through song and dance, with each house bringing its own interpretation to the stage. When the echoes died, the 𝐃𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐲 began, where students transformed into living legends, each carrying the presence of their assigned deity, bringing the figures of Filipino mythology to life. As the last guardian left the stage, the hall fell into a hush, the stage that had witnessed every performance now stood silent, awaiting the judgement of the Gods.

Finally, the decree of 𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘢 had arrived. The tribes held their breath, knowing that all had earned their triumph, but only the exceptional would be etched into the cosmos. And so, when the final points were tallied, one name stood above the rest. 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐢 claimed the throne as the Overall Champion, their moonlit banner rising to the stars after a day of heated matchups and glorious mayhem. The Goddess of the moon had guided her people well, and the field bore witness as her house took its place at the summit.

By then, the cheers did not fade so much as transform. What had been a roar became a hum, then a murmur, until scattered voices were all that remained. The banners, once raised in defiance and pride, now hung still against the evening sky. The Open stage, moments ago a battlefield of light and sound, settled into a quiet that felt almost sacred. The four guardians had fought, wept, laughed, and roared together—and in that shared fire, they had discovered something that medals and trophies could never capture: that the sun, the moon, the sea, and the mountains were never meant to stand alone. The fire of the ancients did not die. It found new hands to carry it, not as keepers of the flame, but as catalysts who would use it to ignite change.

Photos taken by: Alvin Kauring, Hadzna Bayani, Reigna Jhoana Macahidhid, Princess Dahlia Anne Saligumba, Samar Aquino, Josh Adrian Bonnie Lim
Edited by: Kissiah May Anota
Words by: Bin Margani Abdurahman

13/09/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭

College of Social Work and Community Development-College Student Council (CSWCD-CSC) launched its annual festival and mini palaro, forging a front for community service and social action inside Western Mindanao State University’s Open field on September 12, 2026.

Under the banner, "Isang lahi, Isang Tanglaw, Nagkakaisang Katalista," this year’s fest highlighted unity as its central foundation for community action and development.

Apart from its call for unity, the fest also aimed to showcase the students’ creativity, talents, camaraderie, and sportsmanship through a series of competitions.

The event began with a parade where students marched in unity from the CSWCD area in Campus B reaching all the way to the university’s open field in Campus A, warmly welcomed by the college dean, Dr. Jocelyn T. Gaas.

In line with the theme, the festival officially took place with their yell competition after introducing the College Student Council (CSC) officers, other organizations, and the different teams of the event.

Dumakulem, Apolaki, Mayari, and Amansinaya, derived from Filipino Gods and Goddesses, were the teams vying for the championship title across the multiple competitions held such as Karerang Lahi, Lakas ng Pamayanan, and Tanghal-Katalista, among others.

“As someone na freshman pa lang, I find it really enjoyable [that] I get to meet new friends and meet our seniors sa program namin—nabigyan din po [ako ng] opportunity to perform sa stage ng WMSU, which is sa Catalyst Got Talent. Nakakakaba kasi it was my first time performing sa WMSU but it was really fun and enjoyable, although sobrang pagod this day, ang mahalaga na-enjoy ko ang fest,” shared Raya Iraji, a student from BSCD 1B.

Nearing the end of the festival and mini palaro, Team Mayari rose victorious in the CSWCD Fest and Mini Palaro 2026 after a fiercely contented competition. The competition then concluded with a marquee match with the Crimson Hawks All-Stars and an energetic live set from local band, Fyrefliës.

The CSWCD Festival and Mini Palaro was more than just an event. It served as a celebration of unity with a shared goal, designed to foster meaningful interaction, teamwork, and a strong sense of community among students.

Words by Krisha Kate Go
Photos by Khalil Abdul, Ephraim Myer Elizalde, and Reanne Angel Alido
Photos post-processed by Sam Ezra Dolar

08/09/2026

From the radiant power of the sun to the quiet glow of the moon, from the vastness of the sea to the strength of the mountains and forests, four divine forces rise: 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐢, the red sun god and warrior; 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐢, the violet moon goddess; 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚, the blue goddess of the sea; and 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐦, the green god of the mountains and forests.

But they are not the only ones who carry the legacy of the ancient gods. Standing alongside them are 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚, the supreme god; 𝐈𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞, the goddess of labor and good deeds; 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧, the god of good harvest; and 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢, the hermaphrodite goddess of fertility.

𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐬, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬.



🖼: Isar Abdula
✍🏻: Milette Ramchand

08/09/2026

Before the stories we know today, there were gods who ruled the skies, spirits who guarded the earth, and goddesses whose names carried the power of nature itself.

From the heavens above to the depths of the unseen, discover the divine beings woven into the rich tapestry of Filipino mythology.

Who were they? What did they represent? And what stories have survived through generations?

The ancient world is waiting to be remembered. May we meet the gods and goddesses of the Philippines.

📹: Rachel Gab
✍🏻: Milette Ramchand