Hadja Farisah M. Abas, President of the Sigay Kutawato Women Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Marketing Cooperative, shared how the project significantly benefited their community. Drawing from her grassroots leadership and entrepreneurial experience, she emphasized the role of education and the importance of resilience—especially among women and marginalized sectors. “Sa ngayon ay ipinagmamalaki namin na umabot kami sa punto na masasabi naming ‘tagumpay bilang mga kababaihan sa barangay… maraming maraming salamat sa OPAPRU at MSU-Maguindanao na naging bahagi kayo ng aming tagumpay na proyekto. Napatunayan namin ang aming mga sarili na kaya namin ito bilang babae.”

The Deans formally presented the candidates for graduation, followed by Chancellor Bai Hejira M. Limbona’s official acceptance. The ceremony also featured the symbolic imposition of academic hoods, marking the graduates’ transition from learners to professionals and scholars, and the distribution of diplomas.

This year, MSU-Maguindanao has 135 graduate student candidates across eight programs:

Master of Arts in Islamic Studies – 3
Master of Arts in Peace and Development Studies – 7
Master of Arts in English Language Teaching – 26
Master of Science in Science Education, major in General Sciences – 19
Master of Science in Animal Science – 1
Master of Science in Science Education, major in Mathematics – 19
Master in Public Administration (Plan A) – 14
Master in Public Administration (Plan B) – 46

The program concluded with a message from Dr. Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, expressed her gratitude to the Guest Speaker for sharing an inspiring story that reflects the positive impact MSU-Maguindanao has had on the community. She emphasized, “Hindi lang bilang proyekto, kundi bilang ambag para sa pag-unlad ng ating komunidad.” Dr. Raquel reminded the students that education must extend beyond the classroom, stating, “Dapat umaabot ito sa komunidad upang matulungang maiangat ang kalidad ng kanilang pamumuhay.”

Addressing the graduates directly, she said, “To our graduands, your advanced degrees are not just credentials—they are commitments: to peace, to justice, and to the communities we serve.” She concluded with a powerful call to action: “Dalhin natin ang pangalan ng MSU-Maguindanao nang may dangal at malasakit—whether your paths lead you to policymaking, community development, education, or agroentrepreneurship.”

Through this academic rite, MSU-Maguindanao upholds its mission to produce leaders and professionals who will contribute meaningfully to the progress of the Bangsamoro region and the nation.

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#47thPreComExercises
#29thHoodingCeremony