To honor the IITians who garnered outstanding academic, leadership, and extracurricular achievements, an assembled multitude from different colleges gathered for the first-ever Bantogen Honors’ Convocation at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Gymnasium on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
On the first day of the university’s Welcome Week, MSU-IIT inaugurated the Bantogen Honors Society, as the embodiment of the value of excellence to the university. In honor of Prince Bantugën, the hero of the Darangen epic, the society’s name took inspiration from his values of bravery and greatness, channeling the same values found in its roster of honorees. The establishment of the society aspires to provide a stellar example to other IITians, so that they may also strive for excellence in their studies and even in their extracurricular activities.
A promising performance of “Kuntao” by the Kalilang Ensemble laid the cornerstone of the said event. The Octava Choral Society embarked afterward on the program with an enthusiastic invocation and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by quick opening remarks from the Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Prof. Rohane M. Derogongan, where she affirmed the students with the words, “Let’s move forward and spread our wings.”
Amidst the hot afternoon, it did not hinder the numerous spectators from witnessing and giving their warm applause for the honorable event. As the Bantogen Honors Society continues to foster academic excellence, leadership skills, and disciplines, it also establishes the Institute’s strong suit and valuing for academic excellence and innovation.
The ever-dynamic University Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney “ChanZed” Ditucalan, delivered a remarkable message, emphasizing that MSU-IIT is a place where the stories of students are born in their journey as IITians, as he voiced, “Greatness is not achieved over time but through consistent dedication.” The crowd suffused the place with an outburst of enthusiastic applause.
Additionally, Prof. Mark Nolan Confesor from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) gave an inspirational message to the honorees, emphasizing that the essence of success lies within a deeper, more noble purpose—to be of service and dedicate our professions to help those in need.
After the oathtaking of the College Executive Council Officers, the Institute’s Octava Choral Society succeeded with an elegant performance, followed by the giving of awards to the best-performing student organizations. Furthermore, another song tribute of the Echoes band—IIT’s resident band—echoed across the gymnasium with a rendition of Sarimanok by Maan Chua, along with a couple more songs. The reaping of performances was followed by the historic awarding and oathtaking of the Bantogen Honors Society, where lauds and applause of adoration filled the venue.
The awarding of the Bantogen Honors Society transpires having 61 lists of awardees. Awards were also handed out to exceptional IITians who have excelled in their respective extracurricular fields, as well as to performing student organizations that have delivered incredible service to their constituents and the university.
At last, a finale song tribute from the Octava Choral Society melodiously permeates the audience with amusement. The event ended with closing remarks from Dr. Gaudencio Petalcorin Jr., the Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise.
The final moments of the worthwhile event wind up with the Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe’s Singkil performance, carrying the pride and cadence they have strengthened throughout the years. After the four-hour program, the event concluded with the faculty members and students singing with a lot of passion to the Himno ng Pamantasan.
Report by Erika Barretto and Krisje Alessandria Nagal
Proofread by Faima Jehan Dimapinto, Juvanie Ambayic, and Lady Jay Mino
Photos by Abby Gylle Jugan, Perlan Jubay, and Jerrold Christian Canoneo
