To officially acknowledge the achievements of student-athletes over the past academic year, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) held its first-ever Outstanding MSU-IIT Athletics Recognition (OMAR) Awards, a ceremony celebrating athletic excellence and honoring the contributions of the university’s sports community, the MSU-IIT Cats, on August 15, at the Institute Gymnasium.
Following their impressive success as the overall 1st Runner-Up at the 7th MSU System Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Unity Games held last June at MSU-General Santos City, this awards ceremony was organized not only to showcase the CAThletes’ stories of hard work and dedication but also to motivate them, reaffirming the institute’s full support of their endeavors.
“I am so glad that we are now giving recognition to the efforts that you have put forward for the MSUSAA. Rest assured that our commitment to support sports is at the top priority of the university. I know there are a lot of challenges we need to hurdle, especially our facilities but we hope that in the near future, we are able to construct a state-of-the-art sports facility, that is a commitment that we are assuring to the community,” Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, better known as ChanZed, stated in his opening message.
ChanZed expressed further how a mature university should also foster a mature sports environment, highlighting that, for the first time, a special provision had been added to the university’s admission policy this academic year, making MSU-IIT the first in the MSU System to implement this process. He noted that holistic development can only be achieved by recognizing the role of sports, as it is sports that help build a stronger community. Later on the program, the 25 freshmen students who were recipients of the special admission through excellence in Sports were revealed onstage.
Following the Chancellor’s message, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs, Prof. Dr. Nancy Echavez also delivered a message to the athletes, emphasizing how aiming high should be partnered with dedication, compassion, and love for one’s own craft. Shortly after, Asst. Professor Leo Santillana, Director of Office of Sports Development, also graced the stage to convey his own message.
“I believe this recognition has an impact in the sports community and society, and it goes beyond not just that of validation of commitment and hard work written on paper,” Asst. Prof. Santillana began.
He emphasized that the awards ceremony serves several important purposes. It fosters motivation and inspiration among MSU-IIT athletes by showcasing their achievements and dedication, setting them as role models; it encourages athletes to exceed their limits and develop their competitive spirit; and lastly, it promotes physical activity and increases visibility for sports, potentially boosting participation and interest.
“Having said all this, it is high time that we acknowledge and support the students or people in general with special body kinesthetic abilities and intelligence,” Asst. Prof. Santillana stressed at the end.
Moreover, guest speaker Asst. Prof. Joshua Zoleta, a former MSU-IIT athlete and current faculty of the College of Engineering (COE), shared his reflections on balancing his studies as a BS in Mechanical Engineering student with his role as a volleyball athlete. He emphasized that effective time management and decision-making are crucial for handling both responsibilities. He concluded his message with his personal favorite quote from Lord of the Rings, advising, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us,” and encouraged the MSU-IIT Cats to consider who they want to be five years from now and let that answer lead their decisions.
Following a performance by the Men’s and Women’s Arnis teams and the well wishes from esteemed professors of the university, the MSU-IIT student-athletes made their way to the stage one by one with their team, receiving their certificates of recognition. The following men’s and women’s sports teams were recognized: Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Beach Volleyball, Karatedo, Lawn Tennis, Soccer, Dancesports, Football, Frisbee, Lawn Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Table Tennis, and Volleyball. Moreover, the MSU-IIT Titans Esports teams were also recognized for their valuable contributions in bringing pride to the university, this included the teams for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM), Dota 2, Valorant and League of Legends (LOL). Along with this, Alsadjaik Sabdul also received recognition as ROTC Male Cadet of 2023.
“It’s so nice because I feel we are validated mga athletes bitaw kay dili biya jud siya easy juggling school and training kay kailangan man jud mag training, dili man pwede pasagdan ang imong pagka-athlete. It’s nice nga naay recognition like ani tapos [being here], namingaw ko balik sa MSU-GenSan kay mao mani mga people na kauban nako didto,” Ivy Ann Bongalos, a CASS student and a member of the Women’s Volleyball team expressed in an interview.
Bongalos reflected on the fun and nostalgic experience of their athletic venture at MSU-General Santos City, likening it to their high school and elementary regional meets. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to compete at a higher level, facing strong opponents and witnessing the skill and competitiveness of athletes from other schools. Their team had finished 1st Runner Up in the Women’s Volleyball category in the 2024 MSUSAA.
On the other hand, Casandra Hannah Lantud, a fellow CASS athlete and member of the Women’s Chess team, described the experience in GenSan as one of the highlights of her school year. She valued the chance to connect and mingle with other MSUans and found that she grew closer to her teammates, bonding with those who share the same sport and passion. Looking ahead, she expressed hope to join the 2025 MSUSAA in Sulu. Their chess team also finished 1st Runner Up in the 2024 MSUSAA.
“Attending the first ever OMAR awards was truly a momentous experience. It made us feel honored and appreciated as an athlete and reinforced our sense of pride in our craft. This award would most likely inspire athletes to strive and achieve more in the upcoming events this school year,” Lantud conveyed in a written interview.
Following ending performances by the dance sport team and a song number by Asst. Prof. Vanessa Maghanoy from the College of Education (CED), Asst. Prof. Cheryl Encabo concluded the awarding ceremony with a closing message.
“I encourage all of you to continue striving for excellence, both in your athletic endeavors and in all aspects of your lives. Remember that the lessons you’ve learned through sports, resilience, leadership, and integrity will serve you as well in whatever paths you choose to pursue. Congratulations to our outstanding athletes, you have made MSU-IIT very proud!” Asst. Prof. Encabo voiced out.
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