In a momentous event, the University conducted its long-standing tradition of flag-raising ceremony at the start of each month merged with the celebration of the inauguration of the ASEAN Roster of Flags and the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month on September 6, 2023 .
During the flag-raising ceremony, Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA, delivered a message of congratulations. He praised the Office of Student Affairs and Seevices (OSAS) for the successful orientation of freshmen and transferees, highlighting the importance of a smooth transition into university life. Chancellor Aragasi also motivated everyone to level up, “We should level up our thinking, we have to keep up with the development around us” he said.
Two separate announcements were then made during the ceremony, addressing both academic and non-academic matters. Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA), expressed her heartfelt congratulations to all those present. She also emphasized the importance of academic excellence, “ We have a lot of upcoming activities, we have so much on our plate and hopefully we won’t forget the basics which is to conduct classes to continue quality education” she said.
Meanwhile, HRMO Office-In-Charge, Ms. Flordeliza Tampus, delivered a message on behalf of the non-academic staff. She emphasized the staff’s dedication and passion for their work. She also provided two gentle reminders, urging staff to be responsible for their Daily Time Record (DTR) and Faculty Service Record (FSR). Additionally, she stressed the significance of attending the monthly flag-raising ceremonies.
Following these significant announcements, the event transitioned into its second phase—the inauguration of the ASEAN Roster of Flags. This initiative, conceptualized by Chancellor Aragasi, aims to demonstrate MSU’s readiness to embrace ASEAN countries within its campus. Prof. Beverly T. Garcia, the Director of Office of International Affairs, one of the driving forces behind the ASEAN Roster of Flags, also shared insights on ASEAN and its history, highlighting MSU’s commitment to the ASEAN community.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official inauguration of ASEAN flags, where flags representing the ten ASEAN member countries were presented before the gathered audience. And as MSU continues to evolve and expand its horizons, this event marked a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a globally competitive university, promoting not only academic excellence but also international understanding and collaboration. A specific portion of the activities was also dedicated to the launching of the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration for September. This is in support of the University’s advocacy in advancing peace and progress in Mindanao and the entire country.
