The Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral’s (KASAMA) second-semester general assembly, held on Saturday morning, January 31, at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) gymnasium, featured major measures on student welfare and a slate of projects from the council and the administration.
Vice Chancellor for Student Services Prof. Rohane Derogongan opened the presentation on the progress of the student services unit by expressing gratitude to student constituents, whom she described as “excellent partners.”
This was after MSU-IIT bagged the recognition as the Best Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Implementer for 2025, conferred by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region X.
Living up to this recognition, Prof. Derogongan highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Community Feast program, which aims to promote food empowerment among students and is expected to contribute to improved academic retention and performance.
The initiative includes components such as three meals a day, low-cost water initiatives, Painit Breakfast, free coffee during major examinations, and referral services for financially challenged students to the Guidance Office for appropriate support.
Likewise, starting this academic year, enrolled students will undergo random mandatory drug testing in line with the university’s drug-free policy. Selected students from all colleges will be notified via email.
The university clarified that its drug policy is non-punitive, focusing instead on counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and referral to family support systems for those with positive results.
In cases of sexual harassment, the office emphasized its committed attention to and execution of safeguards for students, including investigation and possible prosecution by the Legal Office, should such cases arise.
Students who experience or witness such incidents are encouraged to report their complaints to the Complaint Officer at the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) and the Student Services Hub, or directly to the OSDS Director.
From One Student to Another
Echoing the significance of the extended support provided by Student and Development Services, University Chancellor Prof. Atty. Alizedney Ditucalan highlighted the diversity of the student body as a distinct mark of the Institute, along with the core values that define IITians, namely honor and excellence, service and compassion, and resilience and innovation.
“I want you to remember that these are not just words we say. They live out in how we study, how we live, and how you care for one another, and how you dream for something better and bigger,” the Chancellor stressed.
KASAMA President Dave Andrei Garbanzos sent off the same hat tip to the student body for their support in events set in motion by the council’s recent undertakings.
In the council’s Accomplishment Report presentation, several initiatives were highlighted, including Art in Mind, the Share a Joy Donation Drive, Panagtipok in partnership with the MSU-IIT Indigenous People Student Advocates (MIPSA), Mangrove Tree Planting, and Solidarity with the Palestine Movement.
The council also conducted Action Planning with the GAD Office of the Local Government Unit, organized an OSAEC and Safer Internet Awareness Forum, held a Send-Off for MASTS, commemorated World Mental Health Day, as well as implemented and assisted activities such as Cats on the Run, Rummage Sales, and the Campaign to End Violence against Women and Children, among others.
KASAMA Senator Sorayah Laut also took center stage to discuss the financial report of the council. Subsequent accomplishment reports from the Council of Organizations headed by President Jhon Dave Manos and the Council of Vice Governors represented by Vice Governor Maria Vianell Tadoy also followed.
Garbanzos, despite being installed later due to the amendments in the constitution from the previous year, promised to deliver more, as all eyes locked on the much-anticipated PALAKASAN 2026.
Garbanzos’ pronouncement also confirmed a week-long conduct of this year’s PALAKASAN and revealed that its theme is inspired by the DreamWorks animated film Trolls.
The morning gathering put up a strong showing as different icons from the seven colleges of the university strutted their way through their respective chants and cheers, showcasing the synergy of their identities and shared call for excellence to kick off the discussion.
Leamarie Hempesao from the Literature, Language, and Culture Society (LILACS) made a hauntingly elegant entrance as the College of Arts and Social Sciences’ (CASS) college icon.
Draped in a chic spider-gradient ensemble, she wore a sculptural headdress of articulated limbs that gave her an otherworldly, arachnid silhouette. Slowly crawling out of a posporo prop, Hempesao commanded the stage with a mix of suspense and allure with bursts of exploding silk, unfurling like living tendrils.
The second-semester general assembly drew the curtains on a high note as the sound of Coachella pitched in, with everyone awaiting sundown for the Acquaintance Party that coming evening.
Written by John Vincent Balustre
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Jahna Quinga, Vaughn Lebenswelt Banate
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