The emergence of COVID-19 resulted in the halting of various physical activities, especially academic ones. At the height of the pandemic, educational institutions had their planned activities paused and were only resumed a few months later, albeit in an online setting. Students and teachers had to endure carrying out instructions in an online environment. Regardless of how and where education is done, the thirst for knowledge conquers possible obstacles.
After two years in an online environment— with no in-person meetings and physical contact whatsoever— the year 2022 has a multitude of activities and pursuits in stock for the students of CASS— may it be the returning students or the freshmen students. Here is a report of the notable events that transpired this year; this is CASS in '22.
PRODUCTS OF CASS
To kick it off, back on October 10, 2021, via Facebook, Mindanao State University formally and publicly announced the search for the next MSU-IIT Chancellor Pursuant to BOR Resolution No. 148, S. 2021. This was followed by a Public Forum for the Search for the next Chancellor of MSU-IIT back on February 17, 2022.
Then on March 1, Prof. Atty. Alizedney M. Ditucalan was publicly announced as the new University Chancellor; he will serve for five years, from February 2022 to February 2027. Notably, Prof. Ditucalan was a former English Language Studies student from the College of Arts and Social Sciences. Hence, making him the first alumnus Chancellor of the University. Prof. Ditucalan officially took office on July 12 this year during the Investiture of the 4th Chancellor of MSU-IIT at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium.
Concurrently, a familiar face has joined the faculty of the College and Arts of Social Sciences (CASS) once again. After serving as Vice Chancellor at the Office of Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OVCSS) since 2019, Prof. Marie Joy D. Banawa, Ph.D got reinstated as the Dean of CASS this year. Prof. Banawa was Dean of CASS until her appointment to Vice Chancellorship.
CASS FOR A.Y. 2022 to 2023
As the country slowly recovered from the pandemic, educational institutions have also slowly unlocked their doors, shifting their plans from having online classes to in-person classes for this academic year. This shift encouraged MSU-IIT to change its academic calendar to meet and welcome students physically.
In addition to the returning students, thousands took the Systems Admission and Scholarship Examination (SASE) last March 6, 2022, hoping to be a part of the new batch of IITians. With the College of Arts and Social Sciences offering ten undergraduate programs, student hopefuls who enroll in CASS will be provided with sufficient theoretical and practical learning through outdoor recreational activities, ensuring students' holistic development and growth.
CASS FIGHTS FOR RIGHTS
Representing the voices of the students, acknowledging them, and making them known, is one of the duties of the student executive council. Standing up for the rights of the minority students, prior to the 52nd Commencement Ceremonies in July, the College of Arts and Social Sciences-Executive Council (CASS-EC) filed a petition last May 26, 2022, asking the MSU-IIT administration and the 52nd Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremonies Working Committees to allow the CASS transgender students to: (1) When participating in the 52nd Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremonies, dress in accordance with your gender identity and gender expression; and (2) As students take their graduation pictures at the DNP Photo Studio in Iligan City, the graduates dress in accordance with their gender identity and gender expression.
Juan Miguel Rodriguez, then Student Governor of CASS EC and graduate of the MSU-IIT Political Science department, noted how they intended to pursue the petition so that transgender students in MSU-IIT may walk down the aisle with their heads held high. "They are women, and they need to be seen by people because they really needed that recognition," said Rodriguez in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for Iligan and Lanao del Norte.
When interviewed by the PIA for Iligan and Lanao del Norte, graduating transgender woman from the MSU-IIT Psychology department, Lhirry Jhon Demin, reflected how she was grateful to the University as they are permitted to wear according to their principles and identity. "As a transgender person myself, I am happy and grateful for the opportunity that the Chancellor had given us. MSU-IIT is gearing towards a world-class, and we are on its way," said Lhirry.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
As senior arachnids leave their lodged silk of woven homes, trailing behind are clusters of feat that will pave the way in influencing the future. Last July 27, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology produced 1,559 Latin honorees, the highest number of graduates to receive an academic distinction ever accounted for in its chronicles of commencement exercises and perhaps the highest number among the top universities in the country.
A Summa Cum Laude from the English Language Studies program, Kassandra A. Buenafe emerged as the CASS Valedictorian delivering her valedictory address of gratitude, harkening back, and emphasis on moving forward. "The College of Arts and Social Sciences is the heart of the University, and I truly see and feel that in our community… We challenged archaic traditions and rules that only put the minority in harm." Her words prove so much as the commencement exercise concluded as more than just an academic breakthrough but a symbolic moment of inclusive representation pioneered by the college.
This is because, for the first time in the history of commencement ceremonies held in the University, institutionalized dress codes are now abolished, heeding the call from a petition launched by CASS last May 2022. This means that regardless of gender identity, they could wear whatever they feel comfortable with according to their preference and what they deemed fit for the occasion.
KAMANG DAMANG TO THE HALLS OF CASS
As time has closed a chapter to the graduates, it awaits to open another. Following the week-long University-wide celebration to welcome returning and new IITians in the gradual opening of face-to-face classes, the College of Arts and Social Sciences has also kicked off fun-filled activities.
Starting on the right footing, last August 22, 2022, Christian Denille Carinal, a BS Psychology student and a CASS EC Board Member, claimed not just victory from the dancefloor but also a coveted university watch from the Chancellor himself during the dance showdown of the official opening program of MSU-IIT.
Moreover, more than just it captures the eyes, donning a thorny crown and sharp claws dominated with dark undertones and shades of gold and green, Queen Arachne Lovely Alivio from the Sociology Society personifies what it means to be an arachnid — exquisitely menacing — in her feisty ensemble as a college icon.
Turning up the music, on the third day of the event, CASS graced the MSU-IIT Park with a performance by Ms. Ian and company.
Last August 27, 2022, we wrapped up the final day of the welcoming celebration as arachnids crowded the CASS Lawn with cheers for their respective societies. The closing party for the welcoming of CASS arachnids highlighted dance showdowns, society chant contests, and parlor games, rekindling the vigor of CASS halls left in silence for years.
SILENCE NO MORE
Receptive to the general welfare of its student constituents, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Executive Council, on September 4, released a statement condemning the red-tagging incident that transpired during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Orientation for its freshmen students. "Activism is not terrorism. These narratives [activism as terrorism] are harming our constitutional rights to free speech and are an indication of a need to re-assess how we shape the minds of students about the severity and the implications of these matters," stressed the CASS EC.
Meanwhile, earlier in September, CASS participated in the Third Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), the first earthquake drill since the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) called on government units and public and private institutions to join the 'Duck, Cover, and Hold' drill at the sound of the sirens.
Back on September 20, Tuesday morning, Associate Prof. Sittie Noffaisah B. Pasandalan, the CASS Assistant Dean and CASS-Executive Council (EC) Adviser led a productive Student Leadership Training Program for the CASS-EC Officers and CASS Society Officers.
The training program was followed by a strategic planning session in the afternoon where the CASS EC Officers proposed the semestral budget to the Society representatives.
COLLEGE' LIFE OF THE PARTY
Meanwhile, as Mental Health Month sets forth, student-centered activities are October's highlights.
Last October 5, freshmen arachnids joined the college life symposium at the institute gymnasium. The event was spearheaded by the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) to navigate their 4-year journey in CASS. A series of talks were conducted to enlighten students on what to expect and equip them as they traverse the thresholds of CASS life.
In line with this, CASS parades for mental health on October 12 to officially kick start the various activities anchored by the Mental Health Week celebration. With the theme "Marking Mental Health Month and Well-Being a Priority", CASS has shown its support as they march the whole campus. After which, the Mental Health Forum followed with Dr. Shiela Marie G. Hocson as the resource speaker.
On October 7 to 8, 2022, the College of Arts and Social Sciences held the CASSanayan Training Workshop entitled "CASS Peer Facilitation Training" at the Mini-Learning Commons, CASS Academic Building. The training was participated by 18 participants from the 1st and 2nd-year students from the different departments of CASS, facilitated by Student Peer Facilitators (SPFs) under and with the MSU-IIT Guidance and Counseling Center.
Mired by time and financial constraints, CASS pushed through the General Assembly and Acquaintance Party last October 14, 2022. Backed by the seven societies, the executive council conducted the program face-to-face after two years of hiatus. In their remarks, Prof. Marie Joy Banawa and Prof. Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan offered gratitude to the CASS family for the warm bond that makes CASS as it is. This address was even attested by the speaker of the event, who happened to be a former governor of CASS and served as one of its faculty for quite some years. Mr. Ezra Macaraeg revisited his fruitful experience with the 'Arachnid Spirit' in his heart.
On the other hand, featuring their spookiest fits in reference to the 'Spooktober' theme, arachnids have embedded a testament of their talent and artistry in the fabrics of entertainment. Off to a great start was the lip-synch performance by the stunning drag queens from the House of Arachnae. Spooktober Icons, Dance Showdown, and Acoustic Jam were among the program's friendly society matches, and representatives of different departments did not fail to show how such a sport they were. In the gloom and horrors of the event's concept, the booming sound of the afterparty filled the gym with illuminated colors.
Moreover, last October 25, the CASS EC joined other ECs from other Colleges in the University during the winners' proclamation of the July 2022 KASAMA Elections at the Philippine Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM) Hall spearheaded by the Office of Student Development Services (OSDS) Director and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson, Prof. Phyllis Marie S. Teanco, and attended by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Vice Chancellor Rohanne M. Derogongan.
Talking about colors, last October 26, 2022, students and faculty gathered on the CASS ground floor of the new building to celebrate National Indigenous People's Month. PagtIPig: Exhibit of Indigenous Culture and Artifacts as part of the joint celebration of the Museum and Galleries Month officially opened with a display of vibrant material cultures channeling from the theme: "Embracing Uncertainty: Showcasing Solidarity, Hope, and Recovery."
Truly, either in students' well-being, entertainment, education, and inclusivity, CASS is the life of the party.
KASAMudlle
As functional as it may seem, the CASS EC was partly immobilized by the buzz of issues that allude to the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA). The absence of a head honcho of the Institute studentry called for a need to conduct a special election.
On November 3, the COMELEC released the official list of candidates for the KASAMA Special Elections 2022. Hafzah Imam, an independent candidate and a Junior BS Biology student, and Pierre Paul Pitogo, a Junior BA Psychology student and the standard bearer of the Lihok-ASTIG party, were the contenders for the KASAMA presidential polls.
On the other hand, gunning for the senatorial positions were Cathlene Funny Apresto, an independent candidate and a fourth-year BA English Language Studies student; Queenie Mae Gabisay, a fourth-year BTVED Drafting Technology student lodging the banner of Lihok-ASTIG party; Adjemore Manabat, an independent candidate and a fourth year BA English Language Studies student and lastly; Kyle Christian Tuquib a third year BA English Language Studies student running under the Lihok-ASTIG party.
On November 8, a miting de avance was held to scrutinize the hopefuls' platforms by answering questions revolving around issues of mental health, student activism and red-tagging, the student regent position, the transition to face-to-face classes, and Chancellor Alizedney's five-year development plan. More so, an open forum was also organized in the latter part of the program for students to assess the efficiency of the leaders they will soon install to speak on their behalf.
The day after the miting de avance marks the start of the election. On November 11, Pierre Paul Pitogo from CASS emerged as the victor of the presidential post together with the four senators.
On the other hand, the English Department of CASS officially opened the International Conference-Workshop on Language and Literature (ICWoLL) bearing the theme' Convergences, Disruptions and Junctions: Exploring New Directions in Language and Literature' as part of the Department's commitment to inculcate the inevitable changes in language and literature anchored in the evolving and ever-changing world and how it continuously shapes the multifaceted nature of global communities and societies. The international conference started on November 15 and ended last November 17.
With KASAMA completing the roster of student leaders for the academic year, institute programs catered for students eventually carried on. Symposium on the Republic Act 11313, also known as the "Safe Space Law", spearheaded by the Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC), in partnership with the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE), the OVCSS, and KASAMA was among the programs that students looked forward. CASS Arachnids partook in the event and engaged in a series of talks through a forum with Atty. Dagondon as the resource speaker.
However, on November 20, Pierre Paul Pitogo rendered his resignation as a KASAMA President, citing personal reasons. Hence, Section 4 of Article 5 of the KASAMA Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) has been invoked, ensuing the Vice President to succeed as the President and shall serve the unexpired term of her predecessor. Such is also the case with then-board member Jhune Ace Lubang becoming the current Vice President. It was noted that then Vice President and now KASAMA President Veanamari Elise Santillan is also a junior student from CASS.
Consequently, on November 22, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Executive Council (EC), together with other college representatives and institute student-leaders, was officially sworn into office before Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan himself during the KASAMA Inauguration.
CASSadya NING TAKNAA
In celebration of World AIDS Day, the Sociology Society of CASS held a forum on HIV/AIDS last December 2, 2022, at the CASSalida theater. As part of the awareness campaign, initiatives of free HIV testing, condoms, and lubricants were made available in the lobby of the CASS new building. Proponents of the program hoped to make a move as a pilot program for an extensive wave of initiatives to set forth.
On December 06, the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, in partnership with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), held a professional lecture discussing the prominent trends, challenges, and opportunities of publishing. The speaker was the visiting professor from Hiroshima University, Dr. Dahlia Simangan. Later that afternoon, she also launched her book entitled International Peacebuilding and Local Involvement at MSU-IIT. Moderated by Prof. Primitivo Ragandang III, a faculty member from the Department of Political Science, Dr. Simangan and Prof. Ragandang explored the essence of her book.
As a college whose core lives up to the principles of humanity, a train of activities was held to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Human Rights Day last December 10, 2022. Making a statement manifested in blue outfits, film viewing, and a webinar were among those activities in which arachnids took part.
In line with the global celebration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights back on December 08, the University's Center for Human Rights Education in Southern Philippines, together with the Department of Philosophy and Humanities of CASS, and the Office of Councilor Capangpangan, held a special campus screening of the Grace Simbulan-directed film documentary 'A is for Agustin' at the CASSalida Theater. Guests also had the unique opportunity to hold a question-and-answer segment with the film Director.
Participating is nothing but a trivial thing to CASS students; cheers filled the institute gymnasium as the General Assembly spearheaded by KASAMA was blazed by the arachnids last morning of December 14. Later, they thronged the crowds in the institute's Rizal Park to grace the fun as the Year-End Celebration began with a jam-packed of performances. This means everything to the arachnids as, for the past few months, it appears that everyone is heading to nowhere, but with the subsequent unraveling of major events, a relief that there is light at the end of the tunnel follows as well.
These are just a few of the many events and memoirs arachnids will indeed look back and continue to look forward. As the year is a moment-to-moment closer to an end, communal goals, aspirations, values, and our striking spirit will never cease to exist. Despite the quandary we all faced, our shared moments have overshadowed it to last much longer than our divide.
Indeed, closing this 2022 chapter encapsulates the message of a Bisayan yuletide song that goes 'CASSadya [kasadya] ning taknaa' (how joyful is this moment).
About the Authors
John Vincent M. Balustre
John Vincent Balustre is a news correspondent and an AB Sociology student. Hailing from the small town of Oroquieta City he has polished his craft in writing and took part in major posts from his former school publication, The CAPITOL of MONHS. His writing interests are usually in politics, community engagement, and entertainment.
Raiza Jill Genalo
Raiza Jill Genalo, a news writer from CASSayuran, is a first year BA Literary and Cultural Studies student at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. In high school, she was a sports writer. She has written research papers that won in a few competitions. And also joined and won a few literary contests. She aspires to pursue a career in the medical field, while also exploring and nurturing her love for crafting literature.
Post a Comment
Any comments and feedbacks? Share us your thoughts!