27/07/2025
NEWS FEATURE: 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗚𝗦𝗖 𝗯𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
It was a bittersweet afternoon at the Y-Building Conference Room on July 24, 2025, as the first-ever Indonesian academic exchange program hosted by Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) came to an emotional close.
The two-week cultural and academic experience wrapped up with heartfelt testimonials, a video presentation, and a touching community rendition of Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat.” As the closing song played, eyes glistened with tears, and delegates held hands with their Filipino hosts, marking the end of an exchange filled with learning, laughter, and lasting friendships.
𝗔 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗢𝗳𝗳
The ceremony was opened by welcome remarks from Dr. Anderson V. Villa, Director of the Office of International Affairs. In his speech, he emphasized the strong relationship between Indonesians and Filipinos, expressing hope for more exchanges and collaboration in the future. He shared the College of Education’s intention to continue the partnership by sending MSU-GSC students to Universitas Negeri Malang, aiming to make such international activities a regular part of their academic programs.
“Indonesians and Filipinos always work together, and hopefully, in the future, we'll engage more, through the efforts of the College of Education. We look forward to visit again, so our students will visit your university in Malang. So hopefully we will make this a regular activity,” he said.
Prof. Cathy Mae D. Toquero, Project Leader and Chairperson of the BEED Department, emphasized that the exchange experience at MSU-GSC was not just academic but also a lesson in resilience. She described how the students, despite facing unpredictable weather, illness, and unusual campus conditions, managed to overcome challenges.
“What MSU is teaching you is resilience because the students here are actually very resilient. Imagine, UM is way too much because you have beautiful sceneries here, we have wild grasses, dogs, cats, cows probably—but you see, that's part of the survival of our students, and you learn that from our culture,” she said.
Prof. Toquero expressed her well wishes for the delegates' safe return to Indonesia, hoping they would carry with them the values of peace, inclusivity, and excellence that embody the spirit of the exchange program.
“So I hope that you'll have a safe travel when you go back to Indonesia and carry the word of peace, inclusivity, and excellence along the way for us.”
The Indonesian delegates from Universitas Negeri Malang also gave heartfelt testimonies. One delegate, Raka, grew emotional as he thanked everyone who welcomed them throughout their two-week stay. “We truly learned about culture, friendship, food, and so much more here,” he said, naming friends, mentors, and volunteers who made them feel at home. He added that he would never forget the memories created at MSU, urging everyone, “Don’t forget us, don’t forget me—Raka. If you want to laugh and smile, remember Raka in every one of your smiles.”
Dr. Michael B. Cahapay awarded certificates and tokens to the delegates and volunteers. Program coordinator Janel S. Talaman reminded everyone that the closing marked a new beginning for lasting academic and cultural ties. The event ended emotionally with a community song, as delegates and students sang together, smiling through tears.
𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Before the closing ceremony, the delegates attended a stage play titled “Stella’s Mission” held at the AVR Library, performed by BEED Elgen B students from MSU-GSC. The play was a vibrant mix of storytelling, dance, and music that showcased Filipino values and childhood experiences.
Vebri, one of the Indonesian delegates from the Faculty of Education, shared how the performance moved her. “It amazed my eyes and touched my heart,” she said, adding that her favorite part was the ‘Under the Sea’ segment because of the beautiful setting and its message about friendship. For her, the play was not just entertaining—it was also meaningful. “It taught us that when you’re with good friends and working as a team, you can do anything,” she added.
From the perspective of the MSU faculty, the play served a deeper purpose. Ms. Claire Tusoy explained, “This is how we show our teaching strategies in the Philippines. The play reflects our curriculum, our pedagogy, and how we prepare our students to be dynamic educators.” She emphasized that teaching in the 21st century is more than just lectures; it involves creativity, performance, and emotional connection with students.
The performance allowed the delegates to witness how Filipino student-teachers apply what they learn in the classroom. It also gave the MSU community a chance to learn about Indonesian educational practices through their interactions. As the curtains closed on the stage play and the final community song echoed through the conference room, one thing was clear: this exchange was not just a program, it was a shared journey of growth, understanding, and cultural love.
Writer | Joshua Raneses
Layout artist | Krystyll Faith Surriga
