𝐔𝐒𝐃𝐎 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲; 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐌𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠

A renewed spirit of pride and determination filled the hopes of student-athletes, aspiring players, and varsity mentors as the University Sports Development Office (USDO) marked the rebirth of MSU-Gensan’s sporting legacy with its sights set on the long-awaited return to the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Games and the bold pursuit of a historic five-peat in the Mindanao State University System Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Unity Games, during the first General Orientation held at the University Gymnasium of Mindanao State University–General Santos on August 15, 2025.

The assembly brought together varsity athletes and aspiring players alongside the newly institutionalized Sports Development Group (SDG), the leading body championing athletes’ interests, providing essential briefings on training programs, policies, and opportunities while inspiring participants to embrace excellence, and pride in representing MSU-GenSan.

On Track for Glory

Continuing the legacy of former USDO Chairperson Prof. Sammielyn Lavente, Acting Director Prof. Jessel Wacan presented the office’s ambitious roadmap for the year, highlighting preparations for the MASTS 2025 Games in Oroquieta City and the pursuit of a historic MSUSAA five-peat.

“Yes, we are undergoing the process because we need to return to MASTS, and part of this is complying with the requirements to rejoin the organization so we can compete again. We already have concrete plans in place, especially since there is now an allocation from our Chancellor,” she affirmed.

Together with University Registrar Eljean Cobarde and Sir Roel Luwaton, Prof. Wacan also highlighted the Class A (₱1,000) and Class B (₱500) stipends and other scholarship opportunities, noting that these initiatives recognize skill and commitment while supporting athletes’ academic and personal growth.

She also highlighted being well-informed about the policies, privileges, and responsibilities of the athletes.

“So this [orientation] is very important for them to be well informed about our terms and conditions, qualifications, and retention policies, na ma enjoy nila, lalo na ang mga privileges while representing MSU GenSan,” she added.

Honoring the Legacy

On the other side, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services, Dr. Norman Ralph Isla, lauded MSU-G student-athletes for their talent and dedication.

“Most of you are here in MSU kasi magaling kayo, meron kayong specific specialization na pinapatunayan. And I will say, parati kong pinagmamayabang na pag nag-gather ang lahat ng campuses, tayo ang pinakamagaling. Ang MSU-GenSan na student-athletes and varsity players ang pinakamagaling.”

He also highlighted MSU-Gensan’s remarkable MSUSAA legacy, noting the university’s grand slam achievements and celebrating how its student-athletes continue to excel, emphasizing that while past chancellors contributed to the university’s success, it is truly the talents and hard work of the student-athletes that consistently shine and inspire.

Preparations for the 2026 Unity Games in Sulu are well underway, with the chancellor’s support in coordinating sponsorships and budgets to ensure athletes perform at their best.

Dr. Isla also underscored MSU-Gensan’s readiness for the upcoming MASTS Games 2025, previously held in Camiguin and now set for Oroquieta City, assuring student-athletes that the USDO will assist in sending participants to compete.

Spotlighting the annual campus sports festival, he recalled past events such as the Angara Cup, last year’s sponsorship by various senators, and this year’s new set of legislators who have already committed to releasing the budget directly to the SDO for facility improvements, stressing the event’s role in fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and athletic growth.

He then commended MSU-GenSan’s student-athletes for their excellence, noting their role as campus role models.

“We should use the intramurals to promote our camaraderie, so that the sports enthusiasts and athletes of MSU-Gensan are peace-loving athletes—ipakita natin ang pagka role model natin,” Dr. Isla said.

He further encouraged expanding sports programs to engage more students, helping them build confidence, stay active, and develop healthy habits, adding that physical fitness activities can uplift students with low self-esteem while keeping confident athletes motivated and engaged.

SDG in Action

In line with this commitment, SDG President Mearylyn Vargas highlighted the group’s pivotal role as the active arm of the Sports Office, fostering unity, promoting participation, and ensuring all activities, from training programs to tournaments and outreach, support the SDO’s vision of shaping well-rounded student-athletes.

“We, the SDG, actively help implement and support the USDO’s plans by promoting sports participation, creating unity among members, and ensuring our activities align with the SDO’s goals,” she said.

"I see this orientation as an essential step in fostering sports excellence at the university because it equips me and my colleagues with a clear understanding of our duties, the organization’s policies, and the opportunities available for growth as a student-athlete," noting that understanding the SDG’s objectives and principles allows participants to align their performance, discipline, and leadership with the organization’s standards.

Building on the excitement of the upcoming intramurals, it was announced that this year, the university will feature new sporting events, including pickleball, men’s futsal, and arnis, designed to showcase strengthened teamwork and cultivate leadership riding on the momentum of last year’s successful demonstrations on arnis and pickleball and the debut of women’s futsal, promising a season of thrilling competition for every student-athlete to shine and set new standards of excellence.

Looking ahead, Prof. Wacan urged student-athletes to carry the values of pride, dedication, and a championship mindset beyond the playing field. With the chancellor’s full support, ensuring resources and opportunities, she encouraged athletes to embrace every challenge, excel academically and athletically, and inspire the MSU-GenSan community through their performance and character.