MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Mindanao State University (MSU) System has remained steadfast and tenacious despite the two turbulent storms that visited the institution.
MSU System President Habib W. Macaayong declared the institution victorious despite the Marawi siege and the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic during his State of University Address, Wednesday, October 27.
"Although for others, mere survival was enough achievement, the University did more than survive and stay on track. It went all-out in flight forward mode. Through these challenging times, we have always looked forward ahead and we keep bravely forging on," he said.
Macaayong spoke on a variety of achievements during his administration including the promotion of 900 faculty; implementation of new academic programs like Master in EcoGovernance and Social Forestry, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Governance, and Fundamentals of Peace Education; adoption of Strategic Performance Management System; infrastructure development; ICT modernization; and student scholarships; among others.
The MSU system president also reported the implementation of a competitive scheme of remuneration for lecturers in the College of Law and College of Medicine. "The rationale for this was not only equity, but for it to serve as an attraction policy to lure the most fit applicants in the field," he said.
Moreover, applicants for faculty positions in the College of Law, given their Juris Doctor (J.D.) title, are now entitled to the entry rank of Associate Professor.
Macaayong also highlighted the extension of the geographic reach of the System by opening two extension campuses in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte and Bataraza, Palawan to provide educational opportunities to youth in far-flung areas.
"Since the inception of this institution, we have constantly referred to our area of operation and responsibility as ranging from Mindanao and Sulu to Palawan. But, sadly, Palawan has never been part of the picture. Thus, the opening of an extension campus in Palawan is the long-overdue realization of a dream," he further said.
Macaayong further cited the valuable role MSU has played in helping uplift the lives of Marawi residents by assisting displaced students and opening opportunities for local professionals to pursue advance degrees in science and technology.
According to him, 200 students and 30 science faculty were recipients of Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI )grant. The DOST-SEI also named MSU as a delivering institution and continues to dispense scholarship grants to MSU students who pass the required screening.
Other sources of assistance for students are the national government through Commission on Higher Education for the Tertiary Education Subsidy, Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Dompet Dhuafa Republic Foundation based in Jakarta. In addition, 400 students were also recipients of a Chinese scholarship grant.
MSU also made a big stride in promoting and preserving the unique, rich cultural heritage of the Muslim groups and Indigenous Peoples of MINSUPALA through the establishment of the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center.
Macaayong said the center has relentlessly engaged cultural mapping; research on the various aspects of Meranaw Culture; engaging traditional leaders and Bai’s in the mission of preserving Meranaw cultural heritage.
It is also promoting the living traditions of weaving, poetry, katharo sa lalag; valorization of the Meranaw Language; work on standardization of Meranaw Language orthography; and publication of the Meranaw Culture Coffee Table Book and Manga Forms of select episodes of the epic Darangen. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)
