MSU-Gensan stages ‘Salubong 2025’, marks ‘greatest opener’ in post-pandemic era

Ian Paolo Villacencio, John Paul Siapel

Within weather and environmental variations experienced by MSUans, the university pushed through another year of academic journey as they opened the academic year 2025-2026 through Salubong: Grand Opening Salvo on August 11.

The 2025 edition featured the largest organization fair in recent years, with newly-recognized socio-civic groups joining alongside long-standing campus organizations while also bringing a huge influx of students to the booths, giving first-year students an immediate connection to the university’s diverse student culture.

© Rayjie Carillo

Supreme Student Council (SSC) president, Ramzel Delloro, described this year’s organization fair as “the biggest org-fair that the SSC organized in the post-pandemic era.”

“I thank all the organizations who participated in the org fair. Their presence reinforced our strong and resilient student movement in the university,” Delloro said.

Orgs on Spotlight

The organizational fair  gathered a diverse lineup of student groups, showcasing opportunities for academic growth, leadership, creativity, and community service. 

Bagwis, the official student publication of MSU-Gensan, were one of the visited booths in the org fair, while also inviting aspiring campus journalists to join the team for the current academic year.

Alongside it were service-oriented and advocacy groups such as the College Red Cross Youth, Student Emergency Rapid Response Team, Human Rights Society, and the MSU-Gensan Association of DOST-SEI Scholars, offering platforms for volunteerism and civic engagement. 

Fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Theta Lambda Fraternity and Sorority Inc., Beta Sigma Fraternity and Ladies Corps, and Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, also welcomed interested members into their brotherhoods and sisterhoods.

Cultural, religious, and interest-based organizations likewise made their presence felt, from the Indigenous Peoples Students Association, Moro Students' Civic Organization, and Muslim Students Association to faith-based groups such as Christian Brotherhood International, Youth for Christ, Psalm, and the Seventh-Day Adventist Youth Society. 

Creative and academic collectives, including Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild, Mindstill, Sigay, the Alliance of Microbiology Enthusiast Students, the MSU-GSC Debate Society, and the MSU-GSC Pre-Medical Society, enriched the event’s diversity. 

International and special interest organizations like the International Students’ Mobility Organization, Student Entrepreneur Association, Empress MSU, Alsa MSU-GSC, 4-H Club MSU Synergy, Circle of Friends, Rotaract Club of GSC MSU Chapter, and the Biodiversity and Wildlife Advocate Society rounded out the fair, making it a vibrant celebration of student life.

United efforts

In addition, the president described that what set this year’s celebration apart was the extended university-wide program in the gymnasium, marked by high energy, “overflowing” prizes, and strong support from university officials. 

Meanwhile, Delloro was grateful to the organization, citing an example from a working human organ.

“No words can describe how proud I am of our college organization. Like a blood to a heart, the college organizations are the lifelines of the Supreme Student Council and the student movement in the University,” the council head emphasized.

Words of Encouragement

On the other hand, Engr. Joshua Marvin Noval of the Office of Student Development Services, urged the new batch of students to push past limits and embrace responsibility. 

“Every MSU student is different, no matter where they’re placed… you are all freshmen students, freshies, who have in your hands, the future of your lives,” Noval said.

He also shared his experiences when he's still a student and stated that even if it's very tiring, or there's a lot of waiting, MSUans are set to learn a lot of things.

“So, always remember, MSU is good,” the director addressed.

Chancy’s empowerment

In a brief statement by university chancellor, Atty. Shidik Abantas, the university remains committed to shaping academic achievers and leaders who will make a meaningful mark in society.

“As we begin this academic year, let us work together to make it a time for growth, meaningful learning, and lasting contributions to Mindanao and the nation,” Abantas told the students and visitors.

Orgs’ accolades

In the recently concluded event, the Indigenous People Students' Association bags the championship title and most organized organization for their booth presentation, followed by Pinta Okir Visual Arts Guild, which also won the most creative award, and Student Emergency Rapid Response Team respectively.

Furthermore, Bagwis was acknowledged as the most active organization, and Muslim Student’s Association hailed as MSUan’s Choice Awardee.

The grand opening salvo became a standout opener to the academic year, setting the tone for what organizers promise will be an active and united campus life for many years to come in the campus.