A Catalyst of Connection: COO Organization Fair Ignites Engagement, Enthusiasm Among IITians

by Andrea Sedero


Campus life at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has never felt so alive as during the three days of the Catalyst Carnival: Organization Fair, spanning from February 27 to 29. With all sorts of fun-filled activities waiting at the University Lawn, IITians basked in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement as they got to know the various student organizations and publications through their booths.

Amid the hustle of examinations and impending academic tasks, this three-day event hosted by the Council of Organizations (COO) offered a much-needed respite to students. Concurrently, it provided opportunities for IITians to explore and discern potential organizations they may wish to join as the fair was essentially an avenue for these student groups to introduce themselves publicly.


In addition to well-established student organizations such as the MSU-IIT DOST Scholars’ Association (MIDSA), MSU-IIT College Red Cross Youth (CRCY), the Synergy of Anime and Gaming Enthusiasts Unite (SAGES), MSU-IIT Titans Esports (MTE), Student Emergency Resilience Division (SERD), Learning Assistance Volunteers (LAV), and the Organization of Student Peer Facilitator (OSPF), the Catalyst Carnival also introduced organizations that have recently been revived or newly formed.


In an interview with CASSayuran, Karl Anthony Ong, the Vice Chairperson of the MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NMPC) Youth Committee, mentioned that although established in 2017, their organization only became active again last year after the pandemic.


“Last year, we have been trying to revive the YouthCom and advocate for financial responsibility for youth, providing mga financial literacy and workshops. Aside from that, we are also dwelling on other topics like mental health and exploring green technology initiatives as well as pushing forward sociopolitical consciousness. We want the youth to be proactive for the future. Because MSU-IIT NMPC will actually be one of the mechanisms to prepare them for that. Through this man gud, pwede sila makasave and through saving maka earn din sila og interest,” Ong explained.


Among the newly-formed organizations drawing attention at the fair was the League of International Parliamentarians for Global Initiative (LIPGI). In an interview, Jomarie B. Sanchez, LIPGI Civic Engagement Director, emphasized their intention to bring IIT to the global stage.


“This org fair is our first time, our first step in getting our org to be known, and to amplify our mission and vision. Our organization is still at its inception stage so we’re trying to build it in name pa. Main talaga na objective namo is to create linkages and mobility to students who want opportunities here and abroad, if they want to join conferences or international organizations so we can train them and connect them,” Sanchez revealed.


Alongside organizations dedicated to amplifying the voices of students like the college publications or student groups that provide avenues for students’ talents and creativity, MSU-IIT also boasts various religious organizations. These include the Movement of Adventist Students - Adventist Ministry to College and University Students (MAS-AmiCUS), Christians on Campus (COC), Christ’s Youth In Action (CYA), and the MSU-IIT Muslim Students’ Association (MIMSA).


“So far, labaw na mga Muslim students, nag ask jud sila if pwede sila makajoin. Daghan pod mga curious sa amoang religion and mangutana and of course, motubag mi. Naa pod uban na gaask sa amoang booth and pwede ba daw makatry sa abaya and also sa amoang Arabic calligraphy na activity. We always say na bahalag non-Muslim, you are still welcome to participate,” Al-Meccaellah Alonto, a MIMSA member, emphasized in an interview.


Vaugn Carlo Nagba, the Music Ministry Head of Christ’s Youth In Action (CYA), also expressed his happiness at their participation in the organization fair. “This was a really good chance to introduce CYA to MSU-IIT students, especially to Catholics. We are glad na nakaparticipate mi kay bag-o ra na recognize balik ang CYA sa IIT although naa na jud siya even before the pandemic. Not only Catholics, but we also welcome Christians from other denominations. Daghan kay sila og positive feedback since nangita daw pod sila og ingon-ani na religious organization, and we are really happy to meet them,” Nagba disclosed.


Various activities unfolded during the three-day Catalyst Carnival, with notable highlights including the Open Mic Presentation and Musical Performances by the resident pop band, ECHOES. On the final day, each student organization received certifications of participation, and special awards were presented to those with the most outstanding booths. Silahis, the official student publication of MSU-IIT, secured first place, followed by MIMSA in second place, and CYA in third place.