Chancellor Bai Hejira expressed her gratitude to Congresswoman Bai Dimple I. Mastura and MP Dr. Tomanda Antok for their continued support to MSU–Maguindanao. She highlighted House Resolution No. 60 filed by Congreswoman Mastura, commending Mindanao State University, the MSU Board of Regents, and MSU–Maguindanao for the Diploma in Women, Peace and Security, a pioneering program in Asia, endorsed by CHTE Chairperson and MSU Regent Jude Acidre.

The Chancellor noted several major developments, including a proposal to increase project funding from ₱56 million to ₱100 million, as also mentioned by Dr. Antok; an ₱11-million proposal for the finishing works of the first phase of the College of Agriculture building implemented by DPWH Region XII; a ₱44-million academic building at the Tamontaka Campus; and a ₱66-million building for the College of Public Affairs and Governance. She also cited a COECS intervention supported by Senator Marcoleta.

She further shared plans to introduce Health Sciences programs to complement the College of Medicine of MSU–General Santos and announced that the MSU–Maguindanao Infirmary, developed over three years, is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public upon the completion of Phase III.

Congresswoman Bai Dimple I. Mastura congratulated the university on the joint ceremony of the MSU–Maguindanao Infirmary Hospital, describing the event as a major step toward improving the quality of life in the Bangsamoro. “Bilang representante ng Maguindanao del Norte at Cotabato City sa Kongreso, naniniwala po ako na ang kalidad ng pagkalinga sa kalusugan ay isang pangunahing karapatan at hindi isang pribilehiyo. This belief deeply resonates with my legislative agenda in the 20th Congress. I am proud to share that I have filed House Bill No. 3489, entitled An Act Upgrading the MSU–Maguindanao Infirmary Hospital into a Level III Hospital to be known as the Mindanao State University–Maguindanao Hospital. This measure seeks to legally mandate and fund the expansion of this facility, increase its bed capacity, and equip it to become a premier teaching and training hospital,” she said.

She added that upgrading the infirmary into a Level III hospital would ensure access to world-class medical services for students and residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat while laying the foundation for MSU–Maguindanao to produce highly skilled doctors, nurses, and health professionals within the province. She reaffirmed that health remains one of her top priorities and emphasized the continuation of her health programs, such as the LIMO Program and Medical Assistance, assuring her full support in securing funding for MSU–Maguindanao.

MP Dr. Antok shared that despite initially considering private life, he chose to continue public service and recalled his 32 years as a faculty member of MSU–Maguindanao. He expressed strong support for the university, endorsing the Chancellor’s ₱56-million proposal and suggesting its increase to ₱100 million to fund a dormitory for more students, citing his background as a former faculty member of the Colleges of Fisheries and Agriculture. Dr. Antok also thanked the university’s medical partners and emphasized the importance of timely infrastructure and health-related projects for the benefit of MSU–Maguindanao employees and students, with support from the Office of the Chief Minister.

Dr. Arceli B. Naraga, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development shared that the Infirmary Hospital has been blessed with sustained support from the national government, strengthening its facilities and services over the past three years. Beyond serving the MSU–Maguindanao community, the hospital also aims to extend healthcare services to nearby communities, particularly in this conflict-affected area. The initiative began with the inauguration of the Phase I Infirmary in January 2024 through the support of the Department of Budget and Management, led by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. Funded with ₱15 million, it became the first university infirmary established under the Department of Health’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

This was followed by the Phase II groundbreaking on August 20, 2024—a ₱22.5-million expansion that further strengthened the university’s commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people. Today, alongside the ribbon-cutting of Phase II, MSU–Maguindanao also broke ground for Phase III, with ₱20 million allocated for further development and an additional ₱10 million for modern equipment to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Witnessing the event were partners from DOSDH, including Teodora T. Kasan, DOSDH Chief Nurse, and Agnes B. Isic, DOSDH Ward Supervisor; representatives from ENTRA T Square Construction led by Engr. Jann Rehman Alarcon; as well as the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Marissa N. Parcon, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Raquel Santiago-Arenas, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Madame Angelita T. Datucan, the university’s deans, faculty members, staff, and students.

Pagpalain, Bangsamoro!

#JointCeremony #SDG3GoodHealthandWellBeing #SDG4QualityEducation #SDG11SustainableCitiesAndCommunities #SDG17PartnershipforGoals #MagMSU #ChancellorBHL