Christine F. Godinez-OrtegaEditor-in-Chief

Rex G. OrtegaAssociate Editor

Maria Theresa B. PanzoManaging Editor

Michelle Jeanne C. CaracutStaff Writer

John Daniel O. EnriquezLay-Out Artist

Mark Jezreel T. OrbePhoto Artist

Leoneva G. CawalingFinance Analyst

Cherly S. AdlawanConsultant

Kimberly Jhie E. AlejandrinoLynrose Jane D. Genon

Rohanimah B. GuroDatu Esma Mikee P. Maruhom

Christine Cherry E. SolonZarina Isla Villadolid

Contributors

Copyright © 2016 MSU-IITAll rights reserved

Editorial Board

Vol. 10 No. 43April 2016

ISSN: 2467-639X

Gazette The Gazette is the official newsletter of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)

Published by the Office of Publication and Information (OPI) with an office on the second floor, above the Office of the Chancellor’s office, Tibanga, Iligan City. Tel: + 63 (63) 222 8769;Email: http://www.msuiit.edu.ph/offices/opi/publications.php

Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors or the Institute Administration.

Contributions are welcome. Send articles written in simple, correct English; photos with captions to: opi@g.msuiit.edu.ph

Photos and captions must be separated from the text. The Editors reserve the right to choose the articles and photos that appear in Gazette.

Good governance, speed in the performance of work, transparency, and accountability constitute the policy directions of Dr. Habib W. Macaayong,

newly appointed MSU System President, as he laid out his administration’s priorities and plans in a meeting with Institute officials and cost center heads on April 11 at the Institute Boardroom.

“Good governance involves effectiveness and efficiency in the performance of work. Effectiveness is when

our goals and objectives are realized. When we realize them through minimum time, efforts, and personnel, we attain efficiency. When we accomplish our task with the use of established resources, there is efficiency also,” he said.

Macaayong, who was sworn into office by Department of Justice Undersecretary Zabedin M. Azis on March 9, was emphatic in his pronouncements on the need for effectiveness and efficiency in the performance of work as he repeated this several times in his talk.

New MSU System president visits Institute, discloses policy directions and emphasizes oneness by Maria Theresa B. Panzo

Office of Publication and Information

MSUS President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong

Gazette | 3

Referring to transparency, he explained that there is pride in the things we do when we “show to the people that we are doing the right things with a sense of effectiveness and efficiency.” He also discussed his purpose of enhancing the seven elements of the university. These include faculty, academic programs, facilities, students, administrative support, security matters, and operational system and procedures. He also favors giving work opportunities for faculty members until the age of 70.

“Like judges of the court and government physicians, we can do regular work up to the age of 70…Maybe if there is a need for contract services [and] lecturership, we give preference to those among us who retire,” he said.

The new MSUS president also pointed out that faculty, academic programs, and facilities are the top three elements because they “determine the quality of [our] graduates.”

He also acknowledged that security is an important element in an academic institution. “We have to see to it that security services are really competent in protecting the lives of the faculty members and students, and in protecting the university properties,” he said.

At the end of his talk, Macaayong highlighted his desire for a stronger cooperation and unity among the MSU campuses.

“We belong to one organization so there must be cooperation,” he stressed.

Dr. David N. Almarez

President Habib with Dr. Feliciano B. Alagao

President Habib W. Macaayong meets with MSU-IIT officials, faculty, and staff.

4 | Gazette

“… ISO is purely a process approach, a simple common sense because it’s what you are doing every day, it’s a way of life, [but] kailangan ang quality output that would satisfy every client…”, stressed Engr. Helen A. Evalle, general manager of HAE Consultancy and Training Services, during the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 Certification Launch on April 11, 2016 at the Institute Gymnasium.

Prof. Jonathan M. Tiongson, Director of QuAMS, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, asserted that MSU-IIT, to be a globally recognized university, must enhance its capacity in designing, delivering, and managing programs and services, and in identifying areas for reforms, and in creating interventions for continual improvement through establishing the Quality Management System embracing the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Participated in by faculty and staff of the Institute, the awareness seminar followed after the launching and was conducted in two separate sessions on April 11 and 12 at the Elena Tower Inn, Tibanga, Iligan City.

In the seminar, Evalle discussed the ISO 9001:2015’s scope, context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement.

ISO, derived from the Greek isos, which means equal, is an independent non-governmental international organization with a membership of 161 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges (www.iso.org).

IIT launches awareness seminar on ISO by Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut Offoce of Publicaion and Information

Helena A. Evalle of the HAE Consultancy and Training Services discussed ISO 9001: 2015 to MSU-IIT Faculty and Staff during the ISO Awareness Seminar on April 11 and 12 at the Elena Tower Inn.

Gazette | 5

“A one-year project that develops community-driven responses to address the destruction of Lake Lanao and create economically sustainable livelihood opportunities and positive alternatives,” said Ms. Carolyn Glassman of the Office of Public Affairs, US Embassy Manila as she explained the rationale of My Lake Lanao Project (MLLP) during her visit in the course of the project’s implementation.

Launched in October 2015, the MLLP, funded by the US-Embassy and implemented by the College of Arts and Social Sciences in partnership with ABAG Kalambuan Inc., is now on its last phase of implementation.

This project has three phases: Awareness Campaign, Community Project Development and Implementation, and Research. Several activities have been implemented and accomplished since the launching of the project.

“Together we are making a small and significant difference and step forward in preserving and reversing the decline of Lake Lanao,” said US Ambassador Philip Goldberg; reiterating the US Embassy’s commitment for Lake Lanao during the Awareness Workshop on February 4, 2016 held in Marawi City.

The project is being implemented in the different communities around the lake through ten community projects executed by five community partners namely: Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation, Inc (AMDFI), Mindanao State University- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 1 Dansalan College Alumni Association (1DC), Inspired Young Optimistic Guild (IYOG), and ABAG Kalambuan, Inc.

AMDFI handles three community projects which involves farmers, youth, and women. Sugod Lake Lanao Project focuses on abaca production as a means to protect the watershed surrounding the lake and on training of community farmers in abaca farming and in community organizing.

A tarpaulin recycling project for the youth in Marawi City dubbed Youth for the Lake is a waste management strategy to protect the lake. AMDFI has conducted the Reuse, Reduce, Recycle (3Rs)

seminar-workshop in April and young participants are preparing for an exhibit that would showcase their learning.

A Provision of Facility for Mass Production of Organic Fertilizer (Vermi Composting) that aims to reduce solid waste in the watershed of Lake Lanao in Barangay Batangan and Banagay Basingan, Bubong, Lanao del Sur through organic fertilizer production is AMDFI’s third project.

IYOG, a youth organization based in MSU-Marawi implements Sab’t Lanao. IYOG has conducted Tree Growing and Clean-Up drive activity around the area of Sumpitan Falls in the municipality of Balindong. A multi-sectoral waste management symposium was also implemented for the people of Wato, Balindong on February 27-28, 2016. Sab’t Lanao’s project culmination is an “Art for Earth” activity that will be participated in by the youth in the community.

The Mindanao State University- Marawi’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology through Prof. Maylanie Boloto spearheaded the massive agro-reforestation in two communities in Ganassi, Lanao del Sur while 1 Dansalan College Alumni Association (1DC) implemented Fish for Peace in Barangay Guimba, Marawi City. 1DC conducted community and children orientation, training for diversity farming, community tree planting and growing. The project is now establishing fishponds in the community.

ABAG Kalambuan, Inc. has been implementing the Assisted Natural Regeneration, Tilapia Cage Farming, and “May Pera sa Basura at Water Lily projects in Barangays Kadayunan, Lilod and Raya, Balindong, Lanao del Sur, respectively.

Efforts on the awareness campaign are: the Teachers Training to ensure that environmental advocacy is inculcated in classroom instruction, social media campaign through Facebook (facebook.com/MyLakeLanaoProject) and Twitter (twitter.com/mylakelanao), short documentary video on Lake Lanao, and the development of instructional materials, particularly big books for elementary schools around the lake.

CASS, NGO and US-Embassy join efforts for My Lake Lanao Project by Lynrose Jane D. Genon

College of Arts & Social Sciences

These efforts are in partnership with the MSU-Marawi College of Education through Prof. Rocaya Minaga and Department of Communication and Media Studies through Prof. Sorhaila Latip Yusoph.

My Lake Lanao Project is set to culminate in September 2016 through a one-day summit to be participated in by the US-Embassy and the different community partners.

For evaluation and feasibility, the entire project is supplemented by research studies, for pre and post implementation assessment. A qualitative study on narratives of the implementers and community organizers will also be conducted to further assess the impact of the entire project.

6 | Gazette

Phase 2 Policy Summit towards a research university

We need to reinvent our way of doing things if we really want to become a research university,” declared

Dr. Edgar W. Ignacio, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs when he gave the purpose of the Second phase of the Academic Strategic Policy summit during its opening program held on April 20-22, 2016 at the College of Engineering Amphitheater with the theme “Positioning MSU-IIT as a Research University”.

Earlier, a Pre-Summit was held on March 21, 2016 at the Institute Mini-Theater. Discussions were focused on curricular offerings and programs prioritization.

Ignacio also shared his and the other top administrators benchmarking activities in four universities in Malaysia and in Singapore. He discussed the strategies employed by the University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Nanyang Technological University.

He also stressed the need to strategize in order to attract top quality faculty and students. He further pointed out that the common denominator among the universities they visited was their being research universities.

For her part, Dr. Jinky B. Bornales, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, talked about the genetic structure of a research university and the institutional DNA of MSU-IIT adding that “There is no secret to decode, only a choice to be made.”

Bornales who was part of the MSU-IIT team to visit the above universities in Malaysia and in Singapore informed the audience that these universities had subjected themselves to external evaluation and these also had clearly defined key performance indicators, strong international linkages, and heavy investment in research as well as in the recruitment of experts.

She highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation and discussed the need to strive not only for recognition but also for distinction.

“We should create our own niche which would really differentiate us from others. Universities must define themselves in individual terms rather than just emulate others,” she said.

Bornales then proceeded to talk about how branding --- i.e. defining Tatak MSU-IIT --- is an essential requirement in becoming globally visible. She cautioned however, about the danger of putting brand over substance by saying that “our goal should be to enrich lives rather than just to sell whatever stuff we have.”

Over the course of three days, the event’s 131 participants, consisting of the Institute’s administrators, deans, assistant deans, department chairpersons, and selected members of the faculty and staff, formulated policy recommendations in highly interlinked areas of concern: (1) Academic Programs, (2) Faculty, (3) Students, (4) Research and

Extension, (5) Facilities and Student Support Services, (6) Governance and Resource Generation, and (7) Human Resource Matters and Quality Assurance.

During the summit, the policy recommendations included the following:

Academic ProgramsConsistent with MSU-IIT’s goal of becoming a research university, it was agreed that all academic programs will be research-based. Moreover, the offering of new programs and the retention of existing ones will be based on existing faculty’s vertically-aligned expertise, national priorities, CHED COE and COD criteria, and marketability.

Tatak MSU-IIT, as embodied by the Institute’s graduates, needs to be defined and reflected in the Institute’s vision and core values. One of the strategies being considered is the revival of the Civic and Social Training (CST) courses.

To enhance the delivery of academic programs, the online/blended modes of learning will be strengthened and course codes, curriculum components, and OJT/Internship policies and practices will be standardized.

FacultyDiscussion on faculty matters centered on recruitment, development, loading, productivity, and promotion. A doctorate degree in one’s field of

by Zarina Isla-Villadolid, Office Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

“

Dr. Edgar W. Ignacio

Gazette | 7

specialization will be the primary consideration in hiring a faculty member while productivity is the basis for promotion. For faculty development, the twin criteria of vertical articulation of a degree and alignment with the department’s and the Institute’s thrusts will need to be met.

The full time equivalent (FTE) requirements set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be considered in the faculty’s academic load. Moreover, research and/or extension will be a regular component of each semester’s load. This is to enable faculty to regularly publish, produce patentable output, and transform output to commercially viable products, services, and processes.

StudentsThe pervading theme in the discussion on student concerns was holistic development. Recommendations pertaining to admissions, registration, retention, and scholarships were made. Research and ExtensionTatak MSU-IIT in Research and Extension was defined as listening to the community not only in the final stage in the life cycle of research and extension activities, but throughout the duration of the said activities.

Concerns that were raised included motivating faculty members to do research and extension, diversifying research and extension thrusts in the education landscape in light of the ASEAN integration, and improving policies and identifying key

management gaps to address needs.Facilities and Student Support ServicesThe need for additional campus space for infrastructure and facilities development was identified. Green and intelligent (controlled by an automatic centralized control of a building’s heating, ventilation, lighting, and other systems through a building management system) buildings would be constructed. These will house student and faculty lounges, additional classrooms and laboratories, wellness centers, and other needed spaces. Enriching learning resources will also be a priority student support service. Governance and Resource GenerationTo ensure that governance structures and mechanisms are conducive to the attainment of research university status, measures such as the implementation of good governance principles, streamlining of the organizational structure, and the expansion of existing ICT-enabled services are to be undertaken.

On Human Resource Matters and Quality AssuranceCognizant of the need to upgrade and power the Institute’s non-teaching personnel, staff development would be scaled up to complement faculty development.

The Institute will likewise continually subject its programs and services to quality assurance mechanisms.

During the presentation of outputs, Dr. Hilton J. Aguja of the College of Arts and Social Sciences pointed out that although the proposed policy recommendations may

initially appear drastic, the logic underlying these can be better appreciated if the context undergirding them is taken into consideration. He stressed that the proposals are not arbitrary, they are the new rules that MSU-IIT has to abide by in its journey to becoming a research university. “Anything less is a disservice to the cause that we have set for ourselves. If we do not change and become attuned to the changing times, we just might outlive or diminish our social relevance. We cannot be complacent and rest on our past achievements,” he added.

Each of the colleges and clusters also expressed their commitments regarding inefficient or obsolete practices to stop, continue with the existing best practices, and start with new innovative practices.

The Institute’s Officer-in-Charge and Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Feliciano B. Alagao emphasized the need to work as a team in order to become a research university and to secure government support through normative funding. He also talked about the challenges posed by the changing academic horizon and education paradigms that have resulted in gaps in the skills demanded by the labor market and the skills possessed by job seekers.

Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Dr. David N. Almarez closed the summit by stressing that what had been done was a work in progress and, at the same time, a continuing process in MSU-IIT’s journey towards becoming a research university.

Dr. Jinky. B. Bornales Dr. David N. AlmarezDr. Feliciano B. Alagao

8 | Gazette

The School of Graduate Studies held its 9th Research Colloquium on April 7 and 8, 2016. The two-day activity included an opening program, six parallel sessions, and a closing program. Since 2012, the SGS has provided an avenue for the Institute’s graduate students to disseminate a substantial portion of their thesis and special projects through paper presentations. Undergraduate and graduate students from the Institute and those coming from other universities in Region X attended the colloquium. During the Opening Program at the Institute’s Mini Theater, Plenary Speaker Dr. Roberto M. Malaluan, graduate coordinator of College of Engineering engaged the audience with his presentation entitled “The Unsweetened Truth About Sugar.” This was followed by a feature presentation of Mr. Derren N. Gaylo, a graduate student from Bukidnon State University, entitled “Metacognitive Strategies: Their Effects on Students’ Academic Achievement and Engagement in Mathematics.”

SGS holds its 9th Research Colloquium

by Kimberly Jhie E. Alejandrino, School of Graduate Studies

Eighteen graduate students from various degree programs of the Institute presented topics on Numeracy and Photoelectricity in Developing Educational Materials, The K to12 program and Languages and Dialects in Various Domains and Spaces, Community-based Approaches to Sustainability and Resources Management, Systems Hardware and Computer-Aided Learning, Socioeconomic Perspectives on Health and Mining Industries and Assessment, Health, Lifestyle and Physical Fitness in Education, in the six parallel sessions during the two-day research colloquium.

The research presenters were

Moamerah S. Apinao (MSci Education major in Mathematics), Christopher P. Ramayla (MSci Education major in Physics), Gergie Ambato (MA in English Language Studies), Norkhan Macapanton (MA in English Language Studies), Hans Y. Uy (MA in English Language Studies), Rofaidah D. Abdulmalik (MA in English Language Studies), Melencio C. Jalova, Jr. (Master in Sustainable Development Studies), Haroun M. Masnar (Master in Sustainable Development Studies), Steven Chan Arado (MS in Computer Application), Dennis C. Tenerife (MS in Information Technology), Hella Gay L. Dono (MS in Computer Science), Delia Ruxanna B. Ismael (Master in Information Technology), Ariel M. Mondejar (MS in Information Technology), Jewry S. Catle (MA in Sociology), Connie Fern B. Miranda (MA in Sociology), Vienna Lou Libres (MS Physical Education), Shiella Mananggit (MS Physical Education), and Vanessa Maghanoy (MS Physical Education).

Photos by Ramelyn L. Bracero

Dr. Roberto M. Malaluan

Gazette | 9

In celebration of April as National Literature Month, the Institute through the Office of Publication and Information and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) hosted Dandaniw, a forum on poetry, and an open mic session on April 8, 2016 at the CASSalida Theater.

Dandaniw an Iluko word meaning ‘oral poetry’ is also a part of collaboration with the regional conference entitled Current Issues and Trends in Language and Literature: Globalizing the Local, which is organized by the senior students of the Department of English, College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

Dandaniw was celebrated nationwide with funding from the NCCA in cooperation with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, the National Book Development Board and Literary Organizations in the country.

The forum was attended by distinguished literary icons in the Southern Philippines, namely: Prof. Hobart P. Savior and Prof. Roger F. Garcia from Xavier University, Dr. Victor N. Sugbo from UP College Tacloban, Dr. German V. Gervacio

and Dr. Steven Patrick C. Fernandez from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology.

The event began with a conversation with the poets on Creative Writing, The Use of Language, and Transcreation.

“The never ending accommodation of imagination” said Prof. Savior when asked about where he gets his motivation to write. “Imagination is limitless. It may be a cliché but imagination brings you somewhere. However, your responsibility is to pin down, that your imagination is relatable to others and that your imagination is something that will do something whether personal, institutional, or on the societal level.”

Celebrating National Literature Month in April

It ended with an open mic session at the HRM Laboratory where some original compositions of acoustic songs and spoken word poetry were performed by members of The Authorities, a group of young aspiring writers who submit to the authority of words in giving meaning to the being. They are Ric Anthony Pacaldo, Jibril Monsanto, Karl Anthony, Raymond Beltran, AJ Baterna, Rohanimah Ace Guro, Earl Ross Espere, Faith Brillantes, and Kim Ashley Escalona.

DANDANIW 2016

On the creative process: writers from Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban cities

10 | Gazette

CULTURE-SENSITIVE REPORTING The Muslim, the Lumad, and the Media

by Victorio N. SugboUniversity of the Philippines Visayas

Recent investigations on the power of contemporary media in society reveals that objectivity and accuracy in news reportage are not sufficient. Findings show that media reporting creates realities, shapes public thinking, reshapes culture of societies to the extent that they produce new needs, values and cultural attitudes. The international media reports on bombing in France, Germany and Egypt due to ISIS has put all other muslims in other countries in a bad light. Through media transmission of perceptions and information, we tend to suspect and picture our own muslim brothers as potential threats to stability and peace. We bring the global fear for muslims to ourselves and unfairly discriminate our own who we see honestly doing business for a living.

When we speak of culture-sensitive reporting, we are not dealing here with a specie of writing. Rather we are dealing here with an attitude in news reportage where the reporter or journalist learns, understands and narrates about a people whose culture is different from his. Culture-sensitive reporting is a process of reporting where the reporter is not only objective and accurate about recording an event or occurrence but also observant of the culture of the people who he represents with understanding, respect and sensitivity in the media.

The Muslim in the media

The Muslims in Mindanao figure in the three sampled national periodicals whenever they are involved in the conflict with government forces over their clamor for independence and political self-governance. The Mindanao conflict is a long-stretched one. Over time it has nurtured the emergence of rebel groups whose leaders have gained prominence. When there are casualties arising from the clash, the periodicals pick these up and write the stories.

The Conference “Current Issues and Trends in Language and Literature: Globalizing the Local” held at the CASSALIDA Theatre on April 8, 2016

First of two parts

Dr. Victorio N. Sugbo

Gazette | 11

In the three periodicals sampled during a specific period , the Muslims were predominantly represented negatively. They were associated with “terrorists,” “extremism,”” jihadists, “”rebels,”” MILF,” “MNLF, “ “Abu Sayyaf,” “Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,” “Khi’lafah Islamiya,” “Islam, ISIS-inspired,” “Rajah Solaiman Movement,Supporters of the Caliphate,” “radicalism,” “ brigand groups,” “militiancy,” “ Islamist,” ”moro renegades,” “Islamist separatists,” “ Moro fighters,” “casualties,” and “deadly attacks.” The reasons for this is that the news reports presented in the three newspapers deal mostly with the sporadic clashes in Mindanao between government forces and muslim adherents who are either clamoring for independence and separatism or attacking villages as NPA followers.

MEANINGS OF “MUSLIM” IN NEWS REPORTAGEFilipino terroristsLeaders victims; casualtiesreligious; prayerful salot sa lipunananti-extremism extremism; jihadists; radicalbrothers and sisters muslim na mananakopIdealist rebels; militantEducated IslamTraveler MILF; MNLFFederalism Islamist separatists; Community Moro renegades; Moro fightersDivorce gunmen; brigand groupsYoung ISIS-inspired; Supporters of the Caliphate; Islamist separatistsModerate Rajah Solaiman Movement

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)Abu Sayaff Group

Khilafah Islamiya Movement

The news reports on the Muslims were usually dominated by reports from the government military who revealed what took place, and whose attitude and point of view are appropriated by the reporter or journalist in the interpretation of the event. What readers get from the news accounts are thus the military’s outlook and interpretation since the latter are the accessible sources for news stories, being at the forefront of the event or action. What results from these unintended cultural insensitive reports is that they circulate and reinforce the lone mediatized attitudes and perceptions about the Muslims, and to think that these are consumed by the public as truth.

Certain Muslim journalists have, however, added fuel to this already negative representation of the Muslims of Mindanao. They base their news reports on speculations, private accounts of individuals, and unnamed sources. Experts on muslim matters at hand are variously named “authorities,” “an expert on terrorism in Mindanao,” “a reliable source,” “a relative,” and “a Malaysian newspaper.” Here is an excerpt of a report quoting directly Hadji Acmad Bayam, MNLF’s former chief propagandist, who states,

“I was informed by my nephews who are working in Qatar about the Moros who have answered the call of the radical ideology of the ISIS….they include Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Yakan and other Moro ethnic communities in Mindanao.”

(to be concluded)

12 | Gazette

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) is home of the country’s several renowned artists, social science experts, and student achievers. It has affirmed itself as one of the strongholds of the Institute as it has been recently awarded by the Commission of Higher Education as Centers of Development in its Filipino and Other Languages, History and Sociology departments. Additionally, the college has been re-accredited Level III and qualified Level IV accreditation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities (AACCUP).

National Awardees

Three of its faculty members are awardees of prestigious literary organizations such as the Unyon ng Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the largest organization of Filipino writers in the Philippines, and the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. The latter is considered the “Pulitzer Prize” of the Philippines by the Manila Standard, and awards Filipino poets, playwrights, screenwriters, and writers for children for excellence in literary works.

Dr. Christine F. Godinez-Ortega, a prize-winning poet is 2016 Gawad Paz Marquez

Benitez awardee for her lifetime achievement in literary education. Dr. Steven Patrick C. Fernandez, a multi-awarded playwright and stage director is 2014 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for drama in Filipino. Dr. German V. Gervacio is a three-time Palanca winner: second prize in 1994 for poetry and first prize in 1998 and 1999 for children’s short story and fiction, respectively.

CASS is dedicated to teaching passion as well as reason, training students to stay on top of their field in becoming strong and visionary leaders of the future, responding to the country’s needs. Many CASS students were achievers after graduation. To name a few: Lynrose Jane D. Genon, an AB English alumna and one of the 2015 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP); Jelli Grace C. Luzano, a BS Psychology alumna who ranked 3rd in the 2015 Pyschometrician Licensure Examination; Riza Hope L. Molo, a BS Psychology graduate who was the first Filipino Athlete to represent Philippines and attend the Rescue 2012 World Championships held in Australia; and Primitivo C. Ragandang III, an AB Political Science alumnus and the Philippine Director of Move This World Inc., a non-profit organization which is recipient of the

Ten Accomplished Youth Organization in the Philippines Award. He is also the 2016 Philippine Ambassador of goodwill to Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange Students and Youths.

“Soul” of the Institute

Known for its unrivalled primeness in the arts, the college do not only excel in the academics but in the “commitment to the holistic development of the individual and society” as well. Because of its interest in human society and social relationships in its desire to understand the world and its concerns, the college conducts film festivals, concerts, poetry reading, art installations, trade and lore exhibits, theater performances, symposia, summits, and conferences.

One notable event in February this year was the Bazaari - SARI: Bazaar ng Samu’t Saring Likhang Sining at Pagkain with guests Manix Abrera (2015 National Book Awardee), Hero Angeles (2015 Dangal ng Bayan Awardee and Star Magic actor), and Salima Saway-Agraan (world-renowned soil painter). Three other recent significant events were the national and international conferences: Philippine Sociological Society

Aesthetics and Beauty Redefined through the College of Arts and Social Sciencesby Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, Office of Publication and Information

CASS Grounds

Gazette | 13

National Conference, centered on the theme Sociology of Peace and Conflict: Contexts and Challenges; the 9th National Conference on Filipino with the theme Ang Pagtuturo ng Wika at Panitikang Filipino sa Loob at Labas ng Bansa, and the International Conference on Public Organization hosted by the MSU-IIT through the Political Science Department. All these and more have made CASS be considered as “the soul of the Institute”.

On internationalization

Adhering to the Institute’s goal of internationalization, CASS initiates, like all other colleges, linkages with universities abroad. CASS, with the leadership of Dean Marie Joy D. Banawa, took the opportunities of more possible academic collaborations and extension activities during the visits of Dr. Akira Matsuda and Dr. Ayumi Terada from the University of Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Trevor Hogan from Australia’s La Trobe University; Dr. Toshiko Tsujimoto from Kyoto University, Japan; Dr. Gyo Miyahara, Deputy Director of the Global Collaboration Center (GLOCOL), Osaka University; and Dr. G. P. Ganapathy of Vellore Institute of Technology, India.

Since 2011, CASS is in collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogjakarta (UMY), Indonesia, and co-hosts the annual International Conference on Public Organization (ICONPO). In 2013, CASS firmed up its international presence through partnership with Khon Kaen University, Thailand, the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India, and the Global Collaboration Center (GLOCOL), Osaka University, Japan.

Moreover, CASS has linkages with other institutions in the ASEAN region, namely State Archives of Malaysia, National University of Singapore, Chiang Mai University; Crawford School for Public Policy, College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU, and the US Embassy in Manila. The partnership is materialized through co-hosting international conferences and symposiums, joint projects, and faculty exchange programs. At present, Dr. Alma G. Maranda is adjunct Professor from June 2- July 2, 2016 at VIT to teach the psychology part of the subject on Natural Disaster Mitigation and Management, as well as to write joint papers and project proposals.“Think global, act local”, so said Asst. Dean Sittie Noffaisah B. Pasandalan during

the interview. Part of the preparations in fully achieving internationalization, the college is revising its existing curricular programs and proposing new relevant ones with consultations from other MSU units and other stakeholders. To strengthen its workforce, faculty members are sent out to pursue graduate and post-graduate degrees in CHEd-accedited local universities as well as in institutions abroad. Strong support is given to students in attending and participating international and national conferences and competitions. Increase in the number of linkages, research outputs, extension activities, and upgrade of facilities, offices, and classrooms are considered priorities.

Aesthetics and beauty have been redefined in IIT as CASS pushes its way to make IIT a research university, not only in science and technology but in the arts and social sciences as well. Dean Banawa and Asst. Dean Pasandalan emphasize that CASS, with its hashtag “Sa CASS, kakambal ng puso at konsensya ang husay at talino, applies the “do no harm” principle and reminds IIT the right balance between what it is to be human and to be scientific and technical to be able to connect with the global community.

Dr. Marie Joy D. Banawa

14 | Gazette

“This is just a great time to be an artist in Iligan” says Ric Anthony Pacaldo, songwriter and vocalist of the new band Enyeah, one of the local artists who is actively taking part in the city’s music scene.

KASAMA and Sagip Eksena Initiative (SEI) continue its partnership to provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents through its second project Atik Rock: Art Exhibit, Spoken Word Poetry, and Music Gig on April 1, 2016 at the College of Engineering Rooftop.

Artists unite in a classic lineup composed of Enyeah, Sail Arcana, The World is Not Round (TWINR), Agalon, Inburn and Agathusia featuring spoken word poetry performances from The Authorities and displays of visual artistry by the Guild of Iligan Young Artists.

Sagip Eksena Initiative is a non-profit organization that aims to revive and sustain the art scene in the local industry.

It was founded by Rohanimah Guro, fourth year AB English student, Amiel Chase Calderon, BS Engineering Technology Management alumnus, and Andrei Castro, BSEd General Science alumnus, on January 19, 2016.

The first initiative of the group was the Talagsa Ra Ni event in partnership with JCI Iligan Inc. at the MSU-IIT Lawn, one month after the group was formed at Lola G Café, ‘The Coffee Library’, where artists convene every end of the month for open mic events.

SEI plans to orchestrate more workshops and gigs to welcome the journey to maturity of artists from neophytes to established bands in the city.

Sagip Eksena Initiative, KASAMA promote local artists

Ric Anthony PacaldoAmiel Chase Calderon, Rohanimah Guro, and Andrei Castro

ECHOES

LIONSOn April 29, 2016, the Mindano State Lions had its first solo concert at the Institute Gymnasium. The event is in coordination with the Cultural Development Office (CDO) and the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA).

MUSICAUSE 2016: In coordination with the Cultural Development Office (CDO) and the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA), the ECHOES Band staged a free enviromental concert on April 21, 2016 at the Institute Gymnasium.

16 | Gazette

The first leg of a dialogue series on the construction of the 540-MW

coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte was held on April 13, 2016 at the Mini-Theater, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. The dialogue series was hosted by the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) and the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM).

“We have to consider of course not only developments in science and technology but also its effect on the environment, social acceptability, and our need for more energy. I hope we can have an evidenced-based decision-making for all of us,” said OVCRE Director for Research Franco G. Teves in his welcome remarks.

Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres, officer-in-charge of IPDM, gave the rationale of the activity. According to Torres, the forum was actually intended for the academe and for the participants from the civil society organizations who participated in the rallies in July last year.

“We believe that such dialogue is very timely and very important especially because many of the issues against coal-fired power plants focus on the fear that the plant and the emissions, the particulates that will be emitted could affect the health of the population especially in Kauswagan and nearby municipalities and cities including Iligan City, and the fear about the consequences with respect to the impact of the plant to water quality and marine biodiversity,” he said.

Torres explained that the purpose of the activity is to “help surface many issues with regards to the plant and also for our guests from GN Power and their consultants to explain their part and to talk about mitigation mechanisms to address our fears.”

He added that the next two dialogue series will take place in the succeeding months and they will be inviting health practitioners as well as the local media, and the third will be a multi-stakeholders convergence.

Guests in the first dialogue series were Dr. Sabdullah Abubacar, Regional Director of Environmental Management Bureau- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR), Region 10; Gabino Ramon G. Mejia, Executive Vice President of GNPower Kauswagan Ltd. Co.; Steve Varberg, Vice President of GNP; Engr. Reynaldo S. Tejada, Project Manager of RRR & Associates; and Daphne D. Bate, M.D., a pulmonologist from the Lung Center of the Philippines.

Abubacar discussed the EMB-DENR Environmental Laws, Policies, and Compliance. Mejia talked on the Sustainable Development Program of GNPower Kauswagan while Varberg presented the Technical Aspect of the GNPower Kauswagan Ltd. Co. Tejada and Bate both talked on the Coal-Fired Power Plant and its possible impacts to air quality, water quality, and marine biodiversity.

An open forum followed after the presentations and a round table discussion was held in the afternoon.

IIT conducts dialogue series on building of 540 MW coal-fired power plant

by Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut Office of Publication and Information

Dr. Franco G. Teves Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres

Gazette | 17

Biology students did the Institute proud once more when they received the most number of awards during the 25th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium of the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (formerly known as Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines) held on April 5-9, 2016 at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

For four straight years, the MSU–IIT and Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) have dominated this competition, and all the winning papers this year were products of the collaborative partnership between MSU-IIT and the PBCFI.

This year’s symposium highlighted 25 years of Collaborative Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines: Global Relevance, Local Realities.

A total of ten undergraduate researches were selected as finalists for the Best Undergraduate

Paper Presentation Award (Oral category) while 31 undergraduate studies competed for the Best Undergraduate Paper Presentation Award (Poster category).

Rafael Ryno I. Sanchez won first place for Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation for the paper entitled “Altitudinal distribution and habitat requirements of stream frogs in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), Negros Island.” His thesis advisers are Prof. Karyl Marie F. Dagoc and Prof. Dennis A. Warguez.

Shaira Grace B. Pios won the Third Place for Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation for the paper entitled “Distribution, abundance and habitat requirements of endangered babblers in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), Negros Island, Philippines”. Pios is one of the thesis advisees of Warguez.

Lara Fe G. Seguia, another advisee of Warguez won third place for Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation

for the paper entitled “Distribution, abundance and habitat preference of doves and pigeons in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, Negros Island.”

For the first time in the history of BCSP/WCSP symposium, a Special Award was given to Cecilio D. Docoy, Jr. for a Most Entertaining Poster Presentation for the paper entitled “Diversity and abundance of canopy birds along a habitat gradient in Mount Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), Negros Island”. Docoy’s thesis advisers are Prof. Beverly M. Cagod and Prof. Warguez.

Sanchez, Pios, Seguia and Docoy are senior BS Biology students majoring in Zoology from the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Science and Mathematics.

Lisa Marie J. Paguntalan and Godfrey Philip C. Jakosalem of PBCFI, on the other hand, served as the external advisers.

Student biologists win awards in National Biodiversity Symposium

by Christine Cherry E. Solon, College of Science & Mathematics

L-R: PBCFI of In Situ Conservation Programme Godfrey Philip C. Jakosalem, BCSP Board Emeritus Blas R. Tabaranza, Jr., Karyl Marie F. Dagoc, Cecilio D. Docoy, Jr., Lara Fe G. Seguia, Shaira Grace B. Pios, Rafael Ryno I. Sanchez, Dennis A. Warguez, PBCFI Executive Director Lisa Marie J. Paguntalan and Chairman of the Board of Judges Merlijn van Weerd of Mabuawaya Foundation

18 | Gazette

by Datu Esma Mikee P. Maruhom and Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, Office of Publication & Information

On April 8 and 9, 2016, the annual conference of Current Issues and Trends in Language and Literature was held at the CASSalida Theater, College of Arts and Social Sciences with the theme Globalizing the Local. The regional conference encouraged its participants to ac-cept the challenge to become internationally inclined and to compete with other works using local materials and lore.

Guest speakers during the conference included Dr. Victorio N. Sugbo from the University of the Philippines – Tacloban College (see lecture on pages 10-11), Prof. Jeena Rani Marquez from the University of the Philippines, Dr. Anthony L. Tan, retired Literature professor from the Department of English, and Dr. Nelia G. Balgoa, faculty member of the same depart-ment.

In the conference, Sugbo discussed Culture Sensitive Reporting, emphasizing the importance of relating cultural aspects in reporting involving ethnic and religious groups. He added his study on the cultural sensitivity awareness of newspapers in the country and on how frequent the media shows cultural sensitivity in its publications.

Marquez talked on the linguistic aspects of the literary non-fiction works from Mindanao while Tan discussed the gnomic verses of the Tausug poetry which created interest among the audience to explore and study more poetry in the local language.

Balgoa presented her ideas and studies about the presence of migrant literature. She said that literatures sprang from the various stories and experiences of the migrants and were added to the rich collection of literature in the Philippines.

Selected second year AB English students under Prof. Honeylet Dumoran’s Linguistics class, alumni, and faculty members who were awardees in international conferences presented their papers during the parallel sessions.

The two-day conference was an output of the fourth year AB English Special Topics class of Prof. Lynnie Ann Deocampo in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts National Literary Arts Committee.

GLOBALIZING THE LOCAL Strengthening Local Materials for Globalization

Photos by ABEO

Dr. Nelia G. Balgoa

Dr. Anthony L. Tan

Prof. Jeena Rani Marquez

Participants and lecturers pose for posterity

Gazette | 19

The Office of Publication and Information began its search

for the second batch of campus ambassadors on January 15, 2016. Seven applicants applied for the program, namely: Genesis T. Alegata (SCS), Asmat Bashier Alim (CSM), Jermae Benette V. Dollete (CASS), Junard J. Jumalon (CASS), Christi Fidelis E. Hinacay (CON), Viktor Andrew Jason C. Reyes (CON), and April Krishna O. Cueno (CON).

The seven applicants underwent a preliminary interview, and a panel interview on April 26, 2016 with select judges coming from the Institute.

When asked what their thoughts and feelings were, the applicants expressed that the panel interview was a nerve-racking experience. Alegata told himself to keep going despite the anxiety and nervousness. Dollete, on the other hand, said it was also “very enjoyable because you’re forced to dig deep and answer questions about the institute and life as a student here. The entire thing was really a test of how well you know the dakilang Pamantasan ng Mindanao.”

Reyes added that such opportunity doesn’t come by often. To overcome challenges, he said “always believe in yourself, that is the secret.”

Cueno, the only female applicant, said that if ever selected as one of the campus ambassadors, she would do her best to be a better one.

The campus ambassador program is a voluntary extra –curricular program open to students officially enrolled in MSU-IIT. The MSU-IIT Campus Ambassadors is a service organization comprised of elite students who are selected on the basis of leadership, scholarship, volunteerism, and the desire to promote MSU-IIT as a leading university in Mindanao. Last year, five were selected; two have graduated this June.

Seven finalists in the search for second batch of Campus Ambassadorsby Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, Office of Publication and Information

From left: Genesis T. Alegata (SCS), Junard J. Jumalon (CASS), Jermae Benette V. Dollete (CASS), Viktor Andrew Jason C. Reyes (CON), April Krishna O. Cueno (CON), Asmat Bashier Alim (CSM), and Christi Fidelis E. Hinacay (CON)

Smiling and often with red lipstick on, Loi takes care of basic office and secretariat work at the Office of Publication and Information. Previously an office assistant at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, her job at OPI is not new to her. An AB English graduate, Loi is efficient in handling and organizing communications of the office as well as managing her time especially when she is requested to multi-task. When work is light, she manages to work on her research about the ASEAN which involves traditional and non-traditional security and the ASEAN Rohingya Exodus. She collects books about Bangsamoro and Mindanao history and plans to continue her law studies in the future. An avid fan of Taylor Swift, Loi bakes all sorts of goodies for her favorite people. She spends most of her quiet time at home, reading books or watching cooking shows. - Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut

Loi P. Magusara

Institute Publications: 23rd Iligan National Writers Workshop Proceedings: The Mythopoetic and Creative Writing; The 2015 Annual Report (with Office of Vice Chancellor for Plannng and Development); The Gazette (January - March Issues 2016); The Natural Science Museum Brochure (with the College of Science and Mathematics).