MSU: Soaring for Greater Glory

                History tells us that during the Spanish regime, Filipinos were deprived of education for the reason that they may initiate an assault against their superiority. Consequently, they called us indios. Spaniard’s power came down and they were finally overthrown by Americans after three centuries of reigning. The Whites from the west sailed here and offered freely the elusive thing which was formerly deprived from us. They encouraged every Filipino to hunt for education. Today, this American legacy still lives on as exhibited by hundreds of universities across the country. The saviour’s precious gift has even infected the southernmost part of our country – the Minsupala region.

                Forty-nine years ago, Mindanao State University came into being for the salvation of the ignorant Filipinos coming from neglected communities and underdeveloped provinces of Mindanao. Like any other institutions, it sparked a humble beginning with dismal state of facilities and less powered faculty force. It then catered less than 300 pioneering students under three core colleges. It was then the first flight of the University for the upliftment and advancement of the MINSUPALA region. Nevertheless, despite the actions to prevent problems, they still rose up from their deep slumber and tried to topple down the university. However, due to the firmness of its crews and the hopeful students, the mighty MSU was able to endure all the tribulations. For this reason, MSU has provided not only Mindanao but the country as well with service-oriented, effective and efficient leaders. MSU has provided standard education and it will surely be providing same thing for the coming generations. This must be the reason why MSUans should be jubilant.

                From a single campus, MSU expanded its influence from Lanao del Sur, its first beneficiary, to varying places of Mindanao through putting up campuses. Its programs expanded too and its research and extensions projects sparked at key places which are known to be an undeveloped. Different colleges keep on sprouting like a mushroom for proper implementation of its course and programs. The domain of its influence spread throughout Mindanao and its fame became widespread like a virus eating up a computer system. It is now igniting thousands of souls of different tribes, faiths, and origin. Despite the differences, all are paralleled with one single aim – to be educated and then help improving their respective communities. Through this action, academic excellence which is the center piece of MSU and perhaps its seal covered a large area and penetrated every enrolled student. It designed more programs which are for the benefits not only of the students but of the community as well. No wonder, MSU is truly touching every life in Mindanao.

                Since its establishment, MSU has lived up with its mission which is to improve the lives of the people from the MINSUPALA region through producing globally-competitive, community-conscious, morally uplifted, and academically excellent graduates. No wonder why MSUans top the board exams and get a high passing percentage. Though MSU is soaring for greater horizon, like any other institution, it faces problems too relating to allocation of funds, the unparticipative student body, and the likes. However, not one or even two problems will cause the downfall of this nationally-acclaimed university. So long that there are crews believing that MSU will survive any crisis and the scholars who are dubbed as ‘iskolar ng bayan’, MSU will still be breathing and continuing its life-long mission. Even others are troubled whether MSU will survive of not, the crews and students would still continue the flight – the flight for greatness and the flight for global recognition.

                Up to this date, MSU is still changing its shape – its leadership, its faculty force, the facilities, and even its programs. Buildings are constructed; books are bought to widen the views of the students; and laboratories are improved. Everything is changed to meet the demands of the globe. These are nothing but a proof that MSU is definitely soaring for greater glory.

                As a conclusion, Filipinos of the south will no longer be called as indios because MSU is here to cater education and promulgate academic excellence. Further, the situation of the MINSUPALA region will no longer be severe as before because MSU is here to bring development. MSU will not stop producing graduates centred on developing not the other countries but its own land. One more year and MSU will be celebrating its golden anniversary…and that will signal another take off for greater glory!

CYROLLAH R. DISOMA

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

1^st Place, University-wide On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest

49^th Foundation Day Celebration