With great passion and enthusiasm, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) celebrated its ‘55th Charter Day Anniversary,’ on July 12, 2023 at the Institute Gymnasium. Esteemed university officials, faculty, staff, guests, and University Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, JD, LLM, attended the program to commemorate the institution’s remarkable journey.
The event inaugurated with an invocation, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Himno ng Pamantasang Mindanao by the Octava Choral Society. In his opening remarks and university address, Chancellor Ditucalan expressed his gratitude and excitement for reaching another significant milestone. He also elaborated on the university’s six pillars—Education, Research Innovation, Student Support, Public Service, Governance, and Infrastructure—emphasizing how these pillars have shaped MSU-IIT’s progress over the past years.
“In our Emerald Anniversary, we reflect on what we have so far and what we are yet to flourish that lies ahead,” Chancellor Ditucalan remarked, igniting a sense of optimism among the audience.
A significant moment of the event was the presentation of the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards 2023. The university acknowledged and honored its dedicated employees who have demonstrated long-term commitment and loyalty through a number of prestigious awards—Service Award (10-15 years), Molave Award (20 years), Tindalo Award (25 years), Kamagong Award (30 years), Mangkono Award (35 years), Ruby Award (40 years), Pamana Award, and the Posthumous Award. The ceremony also presented the PRAISE Outstanding Employees awards to its deserving recipients, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to the university’s mission. The said distinctions included the Gawad Dekano Awards, Gawad Kawani Pang-Administratibo Award, and Gawad Tsanselor Award.
In an acceptance speech, Dr. Sergio Canoy Jr., a recipient of the Ruby Award who spoke on behalf of the PRAISE 2023 awardees, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
Furthermore, the event also served as an opportunity to recognize the university’s institutional partners, who have played a vital role in fostering MSU-IIT’s growth and development. Their unwavering support and collaboration were acknowledged through a Special Awarding Ceremony.
The celebration was not only a platform to honor its dedicated constituents but also an avenue to showcase the university’s dedication in honing talents and promoting cultural diversity. Adding to the grandeur of the occasion were the Octava Choral Society and Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe which offered outstanding performances.
Guest Speaker, Hon. Achilles Gerard C. Bravo—the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)—acknowledged in his insightful speech the vital role of MSU-IIT in advancing education and fostering innovation in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, former Chancellor Sukarno D. Tanggol extended his congratulations to the institute through a heartwarming message, reminiscing the university’s humble beginnings and applauding its remarkable journey toward excellence.
The event then concluded with a joyous note, where everyone joined in to sing the birthday song for MSU-IIT—marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Institution’s paramount history.
Report by Alyha Zshiazny Lantud
Proofread by Lady Jay Diane Mino and Juvanie Ambayic
Photos by Jem Mongado
