With the theme #BalikSulong: Grooving Towards a Scholarly Future, the MSU-IIT DOST Scholars’ Association (MIDSA) brought iskos and iskas together for a nostalgic celebration of first-semester accomplishments, renewed connections, and an afternoon of fun-filled games during their 2nd Semester General Assembly and Acquaintance Party (GAAP) on February 8 at the Institute Gymnasium.
Key highlights of the event included MIDSA’s Accomplishment and Transparency Report, Officers’ Pledge of Honor, the Recognition of Academic Listers for the 1st Semester, 2024-2025, and the lively Palarong Retro in the afternoon.
The biannual event essentially sought to recognize the dedication and hard work of student scholars and leaders while also reigniting the essence of what it meant to be an Iskolar ng Bayan. Echoing such sentiments were the messages of MIDSA’s co-adviser, Prof. Djamae Manzanares and DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Jayeel Cornelio during the morning’s program.
Prof. Manzanares emphasized that being a scholar goes beyond holding a title, it is about pursuing excellence, challenging limitations, fostering social change, and finding joy through connection and balance in the pursuit of knowledge.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cornelio left three key pieces of advice he hoped scholars take to heart in his recorded speech. He started by reminding scholars to focus not only on their technical STEM major courses but also to appreciate the courses that teach values, culture, and the humanities, as these are equally important to learn.
Dr. Cornelio also encouraged building friendships with fellow scholars, emphasizing that these shared experiences, challenges, and aspirations make such connections valuable and supportive throughout one’s academic journey and even beyond it.
“I hope that today, the decisions you make, your time together with each other will make you fall in love with this nation. I know na mahirap mahalin ang bansa natin ngayon for many reasons,” the DOST-SEI Director said, his third point resonating with his prior words.
He expressed his hope that scholars would strive to make a difference despite the country’s current challenges. He urged them to work towards a future that is not only scholarly but also just, fair, and equitable for all. “Wouldn’t it be nice kung ang bawat Pilipinong kabataan… merong laban sa buhay? This is what we want to achieve bilang mga scholar,” he stressed.
Dr. Cornelio ended his speech, reiterating the essential points he raised: to “learn as much as you can”, “make as many friends as you can”, and to “fall in love with the nation”.
The MIDSA Administrative Body 2024-2025 took the stage to recite their Pledge of Honor, affirming their dedication to leadership and service. This was followed by the presentation of the organization’s 1st Semester Accomplishment Report, which highlighted numerous key initiatives and achievements.
Among these were the BISIG (Bridging Interventions to Strengthen Individuals with Guidance) sessions on healthy coping mechanisms for academic pressure and legal frameworks on gender-based violence, the MIDSA tutorials to support scholars during final examinations, and participation in events like the 2nd DOST-SEI National Patriot Scholars Congress and DOST Scholars Leadership Camp 2024.
MIDSA’s community outreach efforts also stood out with initiatives such as Tagkos for a Cause, MIDSA Tinabangay 2024: Bantay Bata Women and Child Care Center, MIDSAgakay: Handog para sa Katribuhan ng Iligan for indigenous communities, and BooKIDS, a book donation drive for children in rural areas.
The much-awaited Recognition of Academic Listers for the 1st Semester soon followed, proceeding in order, starting with Dean’s Listers, followed by Chancellor’s Listers, and culminating with Rizal’s Listers. Scholars with the highest GWA per program and year level also received special acknowledgment.
Gwynne Kris Bernaldez, a third-year BS Psychology major and recent passer of the 2024 Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS) last October, shared that attending her first MIDSA GAAP made her feel officially part of the association, an experience she had eagerly anticipated.
“Aside from recognizing students’ hard work, it was really inspiring to learn how the organization has evolved over the years and how it has helped mold and hone scholars throughout their college journey, preparing them for a bright future ahead,” Bernaldez added.
Meanwhile, the afternoon buzzed with energy as scholars gathered for the Scholar’s Huddle, an acquaintance party packed with retro-inspired games. Divided into four teams: Groove City, Funky Town, Disco Bay, and Boogie Wonderland, scholars battled it out in lively events, including Balloon Caterpillar, Paper Relay, and a Sack Race. Adding to the excitement was the Search for Ms. Kikay and Mr. Totoy Bibo, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
The MIDSA GAAP was a vibrant celebration of excellence, camaraderie, and renewed purpose. With well-earned recognition and spirited games, the event encouraged scholars to continue to strive for academic brilliance, build meaningful connections, and embrace the joy of grooving toward a scholarly future.
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