Abantas assumes post as 7th chancellor of MSU-GSC; outlines 8-Point Agenda for university

Guia Rebollido, Maria Nicole Silva

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Mindanao State University-General Santos (MSU-GSC) formally invested Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, as its seventh regular chancellor on Monday, April 28, while presenting his eight-point agenda for the future he wants in the university during the investiture ceremony held at the University Gymnasium. 

The event brought together university administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and invited guests to witness the transition of leadership.

© Katrina Elises

The academic program commenced with the procession of university officials and guests, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

The investiture proceedings were presided over by the President of the Mindanao State University System, Atty. Basilio D. Mapupuno. 

In his opening remarks, President Mapupuno highlighted the significance of the occasion for MSU-General Santos and the broader university system. 

“MSU General Santos is really in good hands. As much as I wanted to keep ChanZee serving the system in capacities I have been familiar with, it is time for him to work in aspirations for a campus as promising as MSU General Santos. This investiture is far more just a ceremony for one man, as it is the embodiment of the university's shared hopes and aspirations amidst a new frontier,” the President emphasized.

Mapupuno also stressed the significance of  the new chancellor’s leadership as a turning point for MSU-General Santos, rooted in the university’s shared aspirations for excellence, inclusive development, and meaningful service. 

He then shared that Abantas is not only a capable administrator and legal scholar but also a compassionate leader whose appointment shows  deeper covenant with the academic community  and urged  the MSU-Gensan community to actively collaborate with the new chancellor, reminding that the university’s mission is not only academic but also serving those at the margins and advancing progress that is sustainable, and grounded in empathy.

The central part of the ceremony involved the formal investiture rites. President Mapupuno presented Atty. Abantas with the chancellor's mace and medallion, symbolizing the conferment of leadership and authority. 

Atty. Abantas accepted these symbols, marking his official assumption of the chancellorship.

In his investiture address, Chancellor Abantas articulated his vision and strategic priorities for MSU-General Santos. 

Anchored on the theme of "fostering excellence," his address outlined an 8-Point Agenda aimed at enhancing the university's mission, bolstering student and faculty development, strengthening research and external linkages, upgrading infrastructure, optimizing governance, and expanding engagement with alumni.

The ceremony also included testimonial messages from College of Agriculture faculty member, Dr. Josh Elijha R. Octura; former Student Regent of the MSU System, Mr. Wizam M. Hassan; and Superintendent of MSU-MCES, Atty. Jawadideen A. Basar, who shared their perspectives and expressed their support for Chancellor Abantas' leadership. 

Cultural presentations by the Sining Paninindeg and Kabpapagariya Ensemble also provided an artistic interlude during the program.

Following the investiture and the testimonial messages, Chancellor Abantas delivered his acceptance remarks, reiterating his commitment to serving the university community and working collaboratively towards the outlined goals. 

The formal proceedings concluded with the administration of the Chancellor's Oath of Office by the MSU System President and the recessional.

The investiture of Atty. Shidik T. Abantas marks a significant moment for Mindanao State University-General Santos as it embarks on a new chapter under his leadership.