To formally recognize student artists who have consistently brought pride to the university in both local and international arenas, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) hosted its inaugural Gawad Alampat ceremony on August 15, at the University’s Mini Theater.
Representing Vice Chancellor Dr. Rohane M. Derogongan of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OVCSS), Prof. Cheryl Encabo, graced the occasion with her welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of appreciating the student artists’ efforts and achievements as they contributed to the university’s culture and arts landscape.
Chief of Staff Prof. Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, who was also representing the university chancellor, Atty. Alizedney M. Ditucalan in his absence, delivered her message emphasizing, “Inspired by the core values of our university — honor and excellence, service and compassion, resilience and innovation — your journey is deeply rooted in principles that will influence the future in profound ways.”
She also stressed how these student artists are the architects of the future and should continue to impact society with their creative gifts. “MSU-IIT is proud of each and every one of you and is excited to see how you will carry forward its legacy with pride and purpose. Your accomplishments today are shaping the world of tomorrow,” she added.
Following their speeches, the recognition ceremony proper began with the acknowledgment of the resident Pop Dance Group, Orions, headed by Prof. Nestor T. Cuevas, Jr., which has recently been integrated into the Center for Culture and Arts. Prof. Cuevas expressed his gratitude to the Orions members for their efforts and achievements on both local and national stages, proudly representing MSU-IIT.
The ceremony continued with the Resident Cultural Groups (RGCs): the Kalilang Traditional Music Ensemble, led by Aya Sharif Macarambon; the resident Pop Band, Echoes, directed by Asst. Prof. Fitzgerald Torralba; and the Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe, headed by Prof. Rebel O. Labadisos. This was followed by the acknowledgment of the dance-drama and transmedia arts company, the MSU-IIT Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG), recognized under the leadership of Prof. Jay Aloevera, and the resident choral ensemble, Octava Choral Society, headed under the artistic direction of Ernesto “Bajo” C. Zaldua, Jr.
The outgoing Culture and Arts Director, Asst. Prof. Amado C. Guinto, Jr. delivered the closing remarks, expressing his gratitude and salutation to the artistic directors and the student artists for their contributions to the university’s vibrant culture and arts ecosystem, and for bringing pride and honor to the institution through their work. He also highlighted the center’s accomplishments, including its forums, workshops, concerts, various performances, and partnerships over the years, also assuring the student artists of their stipend every semester. Moreover, Prof. Guinto also mentioned a proposal for establishing a center for MSU-IIT’s Academy of the Arts.
As he announced the conclusion of his tenure as the center’s director by taking off his hat, Prod. Guinto announced that Prof. Jay Aloevera would succeed him as the new Center for Culture and Arts Director. At the end of his speech, he shared a poem with the student artists, encouraging them to never allow anyone or any circumstance to dim their creative lights wherever they go.
In an interview, Sa-aemma Sumndad, a 3rd-year BS Psychology student and a member of the Orions, who was among the Gawad Alampat awardees, expressed her delight with the recognition. “As a lone (but not the only) Muslima in a group dominated by non-Islamic perspectives, the difficulties of practicing late at night were even more of a challenge, knowing my parents are more worried for my well being and virtue than most. So receiving this award is like telling my parents, ‘Don't worry, 'cause look, I can still do it too even if I’m just a little different’,” she said.
Sumndad also reflected on how the award impacted her as a young artist. “I went from the only Muslim ballerina in my old ballet school to one of the possible few in the hip-hop scene. This was my first award as a student and a dancer, and thus made me feel valid and motivated to continue my craft despite being a Muslima in a predominantly masculine style,” she added.
She further emphasized the significance of Gawad Alampat in recognizing student artists of MSU-IIT. “As for being an Orions member, the potential of being a scholar and awardee of the Gawad Alampat is the start of legacies and future generations that I hope will only grow bigger and louder than us. It is certainly a proud scream from our hearts; ‘We are here, working through hardships to reach the stars’,” Sumndad conveyed.
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