MSU-General Santos Launches IDEA Admission Policy to Champion Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access

Mindanao State University – General Santos City has reaffirmed its commitment to transformative and equitable education with the launch of its IDEA Admission Policy, which stands for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access. Approved under BOR Resolution No. 3-R-01, s. 2025, the IDEA Admission Policy aligns with the university’s strategic direction of serving as an institution for all—especially the underserved, underprivileged, and marginalized sectors of society. The Office of Admissions announced that while test performance remains an important component of the admission process, the revised policy now incorporates inclusive criteria that consider diverse life backgrounds, demonstrated skills, and individual talents. This approach ensures that deserving students from all walks of life have opportunities to pursue higher education at MSU-General Santos. The new admission policy also opens multiple pathways for enrollment, giving priority to underprivileged yet capable students while upholding the university’s mission of providing quality education that transforms lives. University leadership emphasized that this policy reflects MSU-Gensan’s role as a people’s university, committed to inclusivity, social justice, and nation-building through accessible education. As MSU-General Santos implements the IDEA Admission Policy, it signals a renewed pledge to foster an academic community where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive, excel, and contribute meaningfully to society. For incoming freshmen and their families, the Office of Admissions encourages careful review of the revised Admission Criteria and Process, now designed to recognize the unique strengths and potential of every applicant.

MSU-GENSAN’S IDEA ADMISSION POLICY: CHAMPIONING INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESS

In line with its strategic direction and commitment to transformative education, MSU-General Santos proudly introduces the IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Admission Policy, as approved under BOR Resolution No. 3-R-01, s. 2025. Please be guided by the revised Admission Criteria and Process for Incoming Freshmen at MSU-Gensan. While test performance remains a significant factor, the updated policy now incorporates additional inclusive criteria—recognizing diverse life backgrounds, skills, and talents. The new policy opens multiple admission pathways, especially for underprivileged yet deserving students, reinforcing MSU-Gensan’s mission as a university that serves the poorest of the poor while maintaining a strong commitment to quality education. For your information and guidance. -Office of Admissions #MSUGensan #fosteringexcellence

ABE EXPO 2025: Showcasing Engineering Innovations for Sustainable Agroecosystems and Food Security

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) at Mindanao State University – General Santos successfully hosted the highly anticipated ABE EXPO 2025 on April 28–29, at Veranza Mall, with the theme: “AB Engineering Research and Innovations for Sustainable Agroecosystems and Food Security.” The two-day event highlighted the innovative research and entrepreneurial spirit of ABE students, faculty, and partner institutions. In his welcome remarks, Engr. Rener B. Tandugon, ABE Department Chairperson, emphasized the vital role of academic institutions in fostering research-based and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security. Messages of support were delivered by Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who remarked, “This expo is more than just a showcase of projects—it’s a platform where young minds transform ideas into impactful solutions for society.” She was joined by Dr. Christine Dawn G. Obemio, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension and Director for Innovation and Research, and Dr. Donna Ria Josue-Canacan, Dean of the College of Agriculture, who both underscored the importance of student-led research in shaping the future of agricultural development. highlights included the ABE134 Food Innovation Exposition, feasibility study presentations, and acknowledgment of sponsors. Engr. Ronan D. Caligdong recognized the invaluable support of partnerships in advancing student development and innovation. commenced with preliminary activities followed by the Research and Innovation Forum, featuring keynote talks from Dr. Ryan Banal, Director of the Department of Innovation, and Dr. Keno Jay M. Balogbog, Director of the Department of Extension. Both speakers emphasized the importance of adaptive and forward-thinking approaches to agricultural research. In the afternoon, students took center stage in the Technopreneurship Pitching Competition, presenting entrepreneurial concepts aimed at solving real-world agricultural challenges. The event concluded with the awarding ceremony, marking another milestone in MSU-Gensan’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research relevance, and community impact. Champion: Development of Miracle Bites: A Miracle Fruit-Supplemented Gummy for Taste and Wellness Enhancement 1st Runner-Up: ReBrewBites’ Kapecaroons: Giving Coffee Grounds a Delicious Second Life 2nd Runner-Up: Turning Waste Into Taste: A Feasibility Study on Kamote Peel Siomai by Peeling Good : Arnold Clear Caijo, Ryzzah Angela Castillo, Christine Mae Avenido, Christine Daños, Eliu Aguilar, Al-Faisal Pagabangan, Rhea Fuyonan, Cindy Mae Belinario, Angelie Lebosada Champion: Peeling Good – Kamote Peel Siomai 1st Runner-Up: ChichaPeel – Cucumber Peel Chips 2nd Runner-Up: Rebite – Fruit Peels Snack Bar Best Pitching: SustainaGrow Best Agrotech: EcoBrix Most Outstanding Innovation: EcoSprout Champion Livestock Production – Moolabao Champion Grain & Non-Grains Production – RTMY Inc #FosteringExcellence

MSU-Gensan Strengthens Global Ties During International Affairs Week with Indonesian and Japanese Partners

Mindanao State University – General Santos reaffirmed its commitment to global academic engagement through a successful celebration of International Affairs Week, held from November 29 to December 3, 2024. The event brought together academic partners from Indonesia and Japan and featured collaborative talks, cultural exchange activities, and partnership formalizations. The first half of the four-day event welcomed Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, known for its Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. The delegation engaged with the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), particularly the Political Science and Sociology departments, to explore academic collaboration. They also joined the International Halal Food Festival, hosted by the Institute of Islamic, Arabic, and International Studies (IIAIS), which celebrated the diverse culinary traditions of Muslim communities in the Philippines. In the succeeding days, MSU-Gensan hosted representatives from Politeknik Piksi Ganesha—Indonesia’s largest World-Class Polytechnic. Discussions focused on student mobility, faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and scholarships. A Letter of Intent was signed to formalize these academic partnerships. On December 3, the university held a Japanese Studies Workshop in collaboration with the UP Asian Center and Japan Foundation. This initiative deepened participants’ knowledge of Japanese society and culture and further expanded MSU-Gensan’s academic network in East Asia. The celebration culminated with campus tours, visits to the university’s Masjid, Fatima Mosque, and museum, showcasing MSU-Gensan’s academic strengths and cultural richness. Chancellor Atty. Shidik Zed T. Abantas emphasized the university’s drive to advance internationalization, stating, “We aim to be aggressive in faculty exchanges and academic collaborations.” Dr. Anderson Villa, OIC-Director of the Office of International Affairs, underscored the university’s strategic direction. “These engagements reflect MSU-Gensan’s readiness to collaborate and innovate on a global scale,” he said. Through this vibrant and productive International Affairs Week, MSU-Gensan has taken another significant step in strengthening its global academic footprint and building partnerships that align with its vision of excellence, inclusivity, and international relevance.

LOOK | Strengthening Global Ties: MSU-Gensan celebrates International Affairs Week with Indonesian Universities and Japanese partners

Mindanao State University – General Santos showcased its dedication to global collaboration during a four-day International Affairs Week that featured significant academic engagements with Indonesia and Japan. The event, organized under the Office of International Affairs (OIA), included visits from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman and Politeknik Piksi Ganesha, as well as a Japanese Studies Workshop with the UP Asian Center and Japan Foundation. The first two days featured Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, a university renowned for its Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, which prepares graduates for global opportunities. They visited the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), where they engaged with the Dean and faculty from the Political Science and Sociology departments to discuss collaborative opportunities and academic initiatives. They also participated in the International Halal Food Festival on November 29, a celebration of halal cuisine that highlighted the rich culinary traditions of Muslims in the Philippines, organized by the students of the Institute of Islamic, Arabic, and International Studies (IIAIS). The latter two days featured a visit from Politeknik Piksi Ganesha, Indonesia’s World-Class Polytechnic with the largest number of students in international class programs. Renowned for its International Certified Campus Designation, the university’s mission to create professional human resources by 2030 aligns closely with MSU-Gensan’s focus on academic excellence and global competitiveness. Both visits included a tour of MSU-Gensan’s various departments, the university Masjid and Fatima Mosque, and the campus museum, offering a comprehensive view of the university’s academic and cultural landscape. The two universities also culminated in a courtesy call and Letter of Intent signing, formalizing partnerships for scholarship programs, joint projects, student mobility, and faculty exchanges. These agreements signify MSU-Gensan’s growing stature in the global academic community. On December 3, MSU-Gensan further enriched its international week with a Japanese Studies Workshop in collaboration with the UP Asian Center and Japan Foundation. The workshop aimed to deepen cultural understanding and promote academic exchange between the Philippines and Japan, offering participants insights into Japanese culture, society, and contemporary issues. Dr. Anderson Villa, OIC-Director for International Affairs, expressed his optimism about MSU-Gensan’s internationalization efforts. “These engagements reflect MSU-Gensan’s readiness to collaborate and innovate on a global scale,” he remarked. Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, shared his pride in welcoming the international delegates. “It is a privilege to host my first international visitors under my administration. Strengthening internationalization is a key agenda, and we aim to be aggressive in faculty exchanges and other collaborations,” he said. The chancellor also highlighted MSU-Gensan’s top-performing programs in agriculture, engineering, education, and fisheries, emphasizing the university’s competitiveness among well-funded institutions. The visits underscore MSU-Gensan’s commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships and enhancing the university’s profile as a center of academic and research excellence. With this successful engagement, MSU-Gensan continues to solidify its place as one of the leading institutions for international collaboration.