CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines System (USTP) recently celebrated its week-long 6th Charter Day and the milestone marks its continuous mission of braving new spaces and reframing the future of its stakeholders through partnerships and engagement.

With the theme, “Reframing the Future,” USTP System President Ambrosio B. Cultura II gave value to the University’s milestone through reminiscing its humble history and discussed how unity as one USTP and collaborative works placed the institution this far.

“Today, therefore we are not only merely celebrating our 6th Charter Day as a USTP System but most importantly, this is a reminder for all of us that we are here today because, despite our difference, we decided to become allies that consequently ensued to USTP’s amalgamation on August 16, 2016. We are therefore one university, one institution, and one USTP System,” he said.

The amalgamation of Mindanao University of Science and Technology and Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture made up the now USTP System. The system is now composed S & T parks, campuses and offices namely AGILA S & T Park, AGROPOLIS S & T Park, USTP Alubijid, Balubal, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, Jasaan, and Panaon, USTP Student Federation, and USTP Alumni Federation and many research centers.

Cultura also said the university has made great strides for the last six years.

“By working together as one, we are able to advance the quality of the university’s education services. By our concerted effort, we are able to endure the most challenging years, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country. For the last six years, we have been through a lot. However, we are able to withstand it all because we have each other’s back,” he said.

Moreover, he looked forward to sustaining the momentum of working collaboratively, of sharing new ideas and of opening the door to a more meaningful relationship between the university and community it serves.

The week-long festivities started with an opening ceremony physically done at the Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Hall in USTP Cagayan de Oro, with the implementation of health and safety compliance protocol. The program was enjoined by USTP Community, partners and the public globally through a live streaming.

The university also organized Innovation, Research and Campus Exhibits that aim to showcase products and services of innovation offices and startup companies and was also participated by different campuses of USTP. 

Further, the Charter Day celebration highlighted the soft launching of the new Food Innovation Center Building of USTP Cagayan de Oro. The FIC Building would offer space among students and local entrepreneurs, supporting their wide range of innovative solutions towards food security and sustainability and economic growth in the region. 

The construction of the building is a collaboration among Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao, Department of Science and Technology, Department Trade and Industry and the city’s Second District. (IJBD/PIA-10)