In the wake of the tragic bombing incident at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus – Marawi yesterday, the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has responded to the dire need for temporarily housing MSUans affected by the tragedy by opening its gates to them.
According to the Secretariat, the University Gymnasium has been temporarily repurposed as a shelter for approximately 500 students from MSU Main Campus.
Ongoing coordination is taking place with the City Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iligan and the respective LGUs of provinces all over Mindanao, ensuring the secure repatriation of students. As of 3 p.m., 407 students had already been safely dispatched on their way home to their provinces.
Reymond Gimena, a second-year BS in Environmental Science student from MSU Main Campus, expressed concern about the students’ safety, stating, “Unta dili sa nila, ang administration, ibalik into face-to-face classes, maybe i-online sa. I-secure sa ang peace and security didto sa MSU [Main]. Unta bag-o magklase na pud, nga face-to-face, ma-secure sa ang skwelahan.”
In addition to providing temporary shelter, the MSU-IIT community has rallied together to support the students. With the initiative of the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA), along with the College Executive Councils (EC), societies, and the rest of the student organizations, donations of food, water, and sleeping materials have poured in, with IITians, local businesses, and private individuals extending their generosity to ease the immediate needs of the students.
Cosain Ampaso, a third-year BS Nursing student and a volunteer, shared personal encounters, where first-year students whom they interacted with are considering transferring schools due to fear. Some worry about the added burden on their parents. However, many are determined to finish their programs at MSU Main, despite the challenges.
“Daghan kaayo gihapon committed nga despite what happened, they really wanted to finish their program nga ilang gi-pursue sa MSU Main jud. Despite what happened, it’s their dream,” he said.
Recognizing the emotional toll, psychosocial services are in place to address the mental health and well-being of the affected students. The Security and Investigation Division, along with the NSTP ROTC Office and volunteer student cadets, ensure the safety and well-being of the students while at MSU-IIT, during this trying time.
Report by Liezl Mae Lozano
Proofread by Faima Jehan Dimapinto, Dante Jr Doyon, and Crepelle Odian
Photos by Perlan Jubay
