MSU-Gensan Strengthens International Ties Through Consular Engagements to Advance Global Sustainable Education

Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-Gensan) reaffirmed its commitment to internationalization and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a successful series of consular engagements in Davao City on May 27, 2025. Led by Dr. Anderson Villa, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and under the directive of Chancellor Shidik Zed T. Abantas, the MSU-Gensan delegation visited the Consulates General of China, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia, as well as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). These diplomatic engagements aimed to strengthen academic partnerships, promote research collaboration, and expand opportunities for intercultural academic exchange. The Chinese Consulate General discussions highlighted potential academic collaborations, including a two-week seminar series on artificial intelligence and management. Prof. Ludivena Lagrio presented research on Chinese-Filipino migration in General Santos, setting the stage for deeper research ties. At the Malaysian Consulate General, Consul General Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh emphasized enhancing institutional partnerships and exploring the integration of the halal industry into academic curricula and research. The meeting with MinDA focused on supporting the development of the Mindanao Knowledge Center and fostering intercultural knowledge exchange regionally and internationally. Japan’s newly appointed Consul General, Mr. Ono Hirotaka, expressed keen interest in building academic linkages, supporting student and faculty exchanges that align with SDGs on peace, justice, and sustainable economic growth. The Indonesian Consulate General visit capped the day, with His Excellency Agus Trenggono presenting multiple scholarship programs and confirming ongoing academic partnerships, including the upcoming hosting of faculty and students from Universitas Negeri Malang by MSU-Gensan. This initiative involved OIA staff, student interns, and BA History faculty members Prof. Hannee Badilles, Prof. Ludivena Lagrio, and Prof. Kenneth Estaño, along with members of the International Student Mobility Summit Organization. Through these diplomatic visits, MSU-Gensan strengthens its role as a proactive agent of global citizenship, intercultural learning, and sustainable development in Southern Mindanao—opening doors for faculty, staff, and student opportunities abroad while advancing the university’s alignment with the global education agenda.

A clearer vision for all: MSU-Gensan and Borough Lasik Center forge partnership for eye care

In a significant move to advance student wellness and promote accessible, high-quality health services, Mindanao State University – General Santos officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Borough Lasik Center on May 16, 2025, at the MSU-Gensan Campus. The partnership aims to deliver affordable, comprehensive eye care services to the university community—including students, faculty, and staff—underscoring MSU-Gensan’s commitment to holistic development and well-being. The event began with welcome remarks from Ms. Sheila Marie E. Madriaga, RN, OIC for Medical Services at the Student Health Center. She stressed the university’s mission to prioritize health beyond academics, stating: “Today’s MOA signing is more than just a formal event—it is a reflection of our promise to care for the well-being of our community. We welcome this collaboration with Borough Lasik Center.” Ms. Gracie Mae Olorosisimo, RN, of the Student Health Center, introduced the esteemed guests, paving the way for a message from Ms. Anne Sino Cruz, Marketing Head of Borough Lasik Center. Cruz expressed the center’s desire to support MSU-Gensan’s holistic vision for its students: “With this partnership, we’re not just offering services; we’re offering care, especially to students that would help them in their learning.” Chancellor Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM delivered a message of support, reaffirming MSU-Gensan’s commitment to partnerships that enrich student life and academic excellence. He emphasized that wellness and education must go hand in hand, stating: “At MSU-Gensan, our vision of fostering excellence extends far beyond the four walls of our classrooms. This collaboration with Borough Lasik Center is a forward-looking step that ensures our constituents have access to crucial health services.” Dr. Norman Ralph B. Isla, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, closed the program with a heartfelt message that underscored the importance of eye care in today’s digital age, reminding attendees of the challenges posed by increased screen time and academic demands in a post-pandemic world. This meaningful partnership is set to roll out vision care programs, free consultations, and discounted services for MSU-Gensan beneficiaries. By ensuring access to eye health services, the university is actively supporting its community in achieving academic goals and promoting lifelong wellness, reflecting its mission to deliver student-centered, holistic, and inclusive education.

Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Partnerships for the Goals Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 15 – Life on Land

Life on Land Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 14 – Life Below Water

Life Below Water Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 13 – Climate Action

Climate Action Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Responsible Consumption and Production Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More

Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable Cities and Communities Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and

Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Hoisting of College Flags: Historic Launch of Sinugdanan As part of the celebrations for its Golden Anniversary, a historic event unfolded at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on September 6, 2023. The institution hosted the inaugural “Sinugdanan,” a celebration derived from the Visayan word “sugod,” meaning “to begin,” that signifies the start of a new academic year and, Read More MSU-Gensan unveils ASEAN Roster of Flags, celebrates National 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 Read More NCWP and PMWC Foster Partnership and Gender Equality In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park. Read More Seminar-Training on Safe Spaces Act and Orientation on In a profound effort to create a safe and inclusive environment within the MSU Gensan campus, a seminar-training on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, aimed to educate and empower the academic community on the importance of gender-based sexual harassment prevention and awareness, was held at Read More Symposium Unites Experts and Government Agencies for Sustainable General Santos City – The halls of Greenleaf Hotel came alive on August 23, 2023, as an influential talk “Tuna Research: Sustainable Talk Towards Sustainable Management of Tuna 2023 Onwards”, assembled an assembly of experts, practitioners, and government agencies in a concerted effort to pave the way for responsible and Read More