WMSU-College of Social Work and Community Development

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) continues to raise the bar in quality assurance and institutional excellence after being recognized at the 39th Annual National Conference and General Assembly of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, held on March 24, 2026, at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

Marking a historic milestone, WMSU was awarded Institutional Accreditation Level III Status, making it the first and only State University and College (SUC) in Region IX to achieve this distinction. This recognition follows a rigorous three-day evaluation conducted by AACCUP accreditors from November 17 to 19, 2025, affirming the University’s steadfast commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Further elevating the University’s achievement, WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena was conferred the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Quality Champion Award, one of AACCUP’s highest honors named after its founder, Dr. Manuel T. Corpus. The award recognizes her visionary leadership in cultivating a culture of excellence through robust accreditation practices, strengthened quality assurance systems, and sustained institutional and international recognition. Her leadership continues to inspire innovation and elevate standards in higher education.

In the same event, Dr. Sarah S. Taupan, Director of the WMSU Quality Assurance Office, was honored with the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Accreditor Award. This recognition highlights her exemplary contributions to accreditation processes, particularly her commitment to upholding rigorous evaluation standards and her professionalism in service to AACCUP.

These achievements affirm WMSU’s dedication to excellence and its growing influence in shaping high-quality, responsive, and transformative higher education. (AIM-PAO)

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

The WMSU–College of Social Work and Community Development celebrates this meaningful occasion with hearts united in camaraderie, comradeship, and family. Today reminds us that beyond our differences, we are bound by shared values of compassion, respect, and togetherness.

Like a true family, we uplift one another. Like comrades, we stand side by side in service. And through genuine camaraderie, we build a community grounded in love and understanding.

May this Eid bring peace, joy, and strengthened bonds among us all. 💚

𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘, 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗧! 𝗪𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨!

The 𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔–𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 is here to stay—continuing throughout the rest of the semester!

The 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃) will continue to carry out the goal of 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣, which is to provide 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 and a simple form of support for our fellow 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐬. It’s a small way of helping each other out and making sure no one starts the day empty.

In continuation of this initiative, free breakfast will once again be served on its scheduled date, with volunteers preparing warm and filling meals early in the morning.

Catalyst Kitchen remains a reflection of shared care and collective effort. It’s a reminder that even in simple ways, we can share, help, and build a stronger community together.

𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 | 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦! 🚨

Attention, Crimsons! 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗡 for students who shine beyond the classroom.

𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦:
• Leadership Award
• Service Award
• Media Award
• Literary Award
• Athletics Award
• Cultural Award

𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗗:
March 18, 2026 – April 6, 2026

📌 REMINDERS:
• Place both folders inside a properly labeled brown envelope
• If applying for multiple categories, submit separate folders and envelopes per award
• Submit all documents through your College Student Affairs Coordinator

📍 SUBMISSION VENUE:
2nd Floor, Student Center Building
WMSU, Normal Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City

Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized for your excellence beyond academics.
Step forward, Crimsons — your story deserves to be celebrated! Should there be any inquries, kindly proceed to the USC office for assistance.



Layout by: Isar Abdula
Words by: Rey Mark Jemina

𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 | 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦! 🚨

Attention, Crimsons! 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗡 for students who shine beyond the classroom.

𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦:
• Leadership Award
• Service Award
• Media Award
• Literary Award
• Athletics Award
• Cultural Award

𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗗:
March 18, 2026 – April 6, 2026

📌 REMINDERS:
• Place both folders inside a properly labeled brown envelope
• If applying for multiple categories, submit separate folders and envelopes per award
• Submit all documents through your College Student Council Coordinator

Note: The CSC Coordinator will be the one to submit the compiled documents to the Office of the Student Affairs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be recognized for your excellence beyond academics.
Step forward, Crimsons — your story deserves to be celebrated! Should there be any inquries, kindly proceed to the USC office for assistance.



Layout by: Isar Abdula
Words by: Rey Mark Jemina

𝓔𝓲𝓭 𝓜𝓾𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓴! ✨

In the silence after prayer and the glow of the crescent moon, may your heart be wrapped in peace and your soul renewed with faith. Tonight, let gratitude echo louder than worries, and let love shine brighter than any shadow.

May every sacrifice be remembered, every prayer be answered, and every tear be turned into joy. As the light of Eid rises, may it illuminate your path with hope, mercy, and endless blessings.

Honoring World Social Work Day 🌍💚

This month, the Western Mindanao State University, College of Social Work and Community Development in collaboration with PASWI Zamboanga Chapter, CSC & JSWAP celebrates the profound impact that our social workers have on our communities, advocating for justice, equity, well-being and dignity for all. Rooted in a rich history of compassion and social action, social work has long been a force for social change and sustainable change, driven by the unwavering belief that every individual deserves a voice, opportunity, and support.

As an institution of higher education, the academe plays a vital role in moulding future social workers, nurturing not only their knowledge and skills, but also their values, ethics, and deep sense of social responsibility for social change. Through education, research, and community organization, we shape catalysts of change who are equipped to respond to complex social realities with dignity, competence, empathy, and integrity.

In this celebration, the College of Social Work and Community Development recognizes the tireless efforts of our selfless social workers worldwide who dedicate themselves to empowering others, tackling societal issues and challenges, and promoting human rights and well-being. Their commitment to creating positive change not only uplifts individuals but strengthens the fabric of our society. Indeed, we honor this month our catalyst, agents of positive change!

Let us take this moment to reflect on the power of empathy, resilience, and collective action.

Social work is not just a profession; it is a movement toward a more just, peaceful, dignified and compassionate world.

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

𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔–𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 | 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐

The 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃) continued the compassion and unity on Day 2 of 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣, bringing nutrition and support to our fellow 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐬 during the midterm exams period.

At five in the morning, committed volunteers began preparing warm portions of 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨. The first batch of breakfast was served by 7:30 AM, providing students with a filling meal to begin their hectic day. A second round of breakfast was served at 10:00 AM to make sure that more Catalysts could take advantage of the program and to continue helping students who might have been late for class.

At 5:30 PM, a simple yet sincere 𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫 continued reflecting the spirit of sharing. With plates of 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐧 and water, students came together to break their fast, fostering another sense of camaraderie, warmth, and thankfulness inside the campus.

Day 2 demonstrated the kindness and cooperation that characterize the CSWCD community once more. Catalyst Kitchen continues to provide not only food but also support and encouragement for each and every Catalyst thanks to the commitment of our volunteers and the help of the administration, teachers, and partners. 💚



Words and Layout by | NURHAYA SAID

𝐖𝐌𝐒𝐔–𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 | 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏

The 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃) successfully carried out 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙣, a project dedicated to supporting our fellow 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐬 through accessible nourishment and encouragement during the midterm examination period.

This initiative showcases the CSWCD community’s teamwork. From the initiation, support and guidance of the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 and 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲, carried out under the leadership of Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT, whose steadfast guidance directed colleges to initiate activities responding to the health concerns of students attending classes without breakfast, to its implementation spearheaded by the 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥. We sincerely thank the administration, faculty, and students for bringing Catalyst Kitchen to life! 🙌 We are especially grateful to 𝐉𝐉𝐂 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 for their generous sponsorship, their support played a huge role in making this project possible and creating such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. 🫶

Day 1 was filled with smiles, gratitude, and shared moments, a beautiful reminder of what makes the CSWCD community so special. Each act of service, each gesture of care, and each word of encouragement reflected the college’s dedication to its students and the spirit of connection that binds us all. It’s days like this that remind us how teamwork and compassion can inspire, uplift, and bring our whole community closer together. 🥳💚

Here are some moments from Day 1 with our fellow Catalysts. 📸

Words by Hana Sheikha Halipa
Photos by Sweet Gabo and Yuan Lloren
Frame by Nurhaya Said

𝗣𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡,
𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚, 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗘 — 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗪 𝗡𝗚
𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡!

𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙚 𝙠𝙖 𝙣𝙖, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙚 𝙠𝙖 𝙥𝙖.
𝙃𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙠𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜. 🌷✨

In every aspect of academic leadership, mentorship, and teaching—and in guiding the students of the 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, our esteemed 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚 𝐀. 𝐎𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚, our 𝐎𝐈𝐂-𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐈. 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬, our accomplished 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐓. 𝐆𝐚𝐚𝐬, and our 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐃 exemplify how women lead with excellence, wisdom, and compassion. Through their dedication and commitment to education and service, they continue to inspire every student to strive for greater purpose and meaningful impact.

This 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, let us celebrate the rights, talents, resilience, and aspirations of every woman who teaches, leads, and serves. Their strength breaks barriers, their voices shape the future, and their leadership empowers generations.

No limits. No barriers. Nothing can hold them back.

𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗻. 🏆💪

Words by Hana Sheikha Halipa | Creatives Committee Member
Layout by Franchesca Juliana Kho | Creatives Committee Member