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The Thu'um Publication, Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City (2025)

12/09/2025

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘: The Iligan City Government has announced the suspension of classes at all levels and work in city government offices, including its 44 barangays, on September 30, 2025. The suspension is by virtue of Executive Order No. 117, s. of 2025.

12/09/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥, 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

The truth will set you free, as the saying goes. But what if that truth is the one that dares you to risk your life for the awareness of others? Many whistleblowers who reveal the truth become targets of their enemies, knowing that their lives are endangered and that any moment after revealing the truth could be their last. Protesters are not exempt either; they sacrifice their time, effort, and lives to march in the streets to voice what is true.

In Indonesia, for instance, public outrage has led to mass protests. In the Philippines, however, before the truth can even ignite outrage, it is smothered into the unknown. It is treated as though it never happened, silenced, or instilled with fear that could even lead to a bullet in the head. The truth must be a right for everyone to be heard, not suppressed into silence and false innocence. If ignored, it will lead to future regret with lives at stake.

The recent outrage in Indonesia, which began on August 25, 2025, started with the news that Members of Parliament were receiving substantial housing allowances, 10 to 20 times the minimum wage. Though money was involved, what fueled the most anger was the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle rideshare driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by the police. In response, people voiced the truth through protests in the streets, burning materials, and expressing their anger.

On the contrary, in the Philippines, before outrage can occur, authorities immediately put out the fire, silencing anyone who dares speak the truth. Similar injustices have happened, such as in 2017 with Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old dragged into a Caloocan alley. His last words, “may exam pa po ako bukas,” echoed before he was executed by police during Duterte’s drug war. It is nerve-wracking how many innocent lives have been shed just for the system to protect itself, while those at the top of the hierarchy continue to crush and leech off those struggling below, treating them like disposable garbage or pesky ants. Both Indonesia and the Philippines face the same issues, but one sparks mass protests while the other ends in brief mourning, drowned in fear of fighting for the truth.

The chaotic outrage of Indonesians, fueled by a flaming desire to expose the truth, was visible in their voices and protests. The root cause was the misuse of citizens’ money. In the Philippines, corruption is no different. While it might not be voiced publicly through protests, it is revealed through the lavish lifestyles of the so-called “nepo babies” of high-ranking officials.

For example, the recent scandal involving the flood control project showed that money intended for citizens was pocketed by officials, resulting in substandard projects and even ghost projects. Claudine Co, daughter of Christopher Co, whose company cornered billions from these projects, was seen shopping and attending Paris Fashion Week in a ₱170,000 designer jacket. Similarly, Jammy Cruz, daughter of another DPWH contractor, flaunted luxury cars and Chanel handbags gifted by her father. Even if the truth is not shouted in the streets, their actions expose it.

Every peso of citizens’ hard-earned money has been turned into shopping sprees for the elite, while ordinary people are left with floods, debt, and ruined homes. Still, the courage of truth-seekers and men of integrity persists, those who risk their lives to raise awareness and serve the people. Corruption doesn’t just spark outrage; it buys silence through material luxuries.

Moreover, Indonesia may burn its streets to uphold truth, but in the Philippines, people are drowning in fear for their lives. Outrage isn’t absent; it’s silenced, bought, or buried alive. As seen in recent news, Indonesian protesters hurled rocks, rioted against police, and set vehicles and buildings ablaze. In the Philippines, however, protests never reach that extent. Concerned citizens are dismissed as nuisances, accused of destabilizing the government, or worse, red-tagged.

Every cry for justice, transparency, and truth becomes isolated. In Indonesia, protesters dare to face batons or tear gas. In the Philippines, speaking up often means silence or death. Fear creeps in because voicing the truth endangers not only one’s life but also their family’s. A single slip of truth could mean a single bullet. Red-tagging, in particular, has been used as a death warrant, branding individuals as communists or terrorists, legitimizing harassment or killings. This was strongly enforced under Executive Order 70 in 2017, creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

While protecting the country is not wrong, the implementation was abused, falsely accusing people and weaponizing power for personal gain. NTF-ELCAC even tripled its budget to ₱7.8 billion for barangay development under Marcos Jr.’s administration. On paper, it looked like a development plan. In reality, funds and taxes were funneled into political campaigns, fake relief projects, and propaganda ads. The promises of development were empty, while surveillance and silence became the order of the day.

Every strike of truth is dismissed. Every concerned citizen is red-tagged. Journalists are threatened into silence. Student marches are criminalized. The truth remains buried, not because it does not exist, but because fear enforces silence. This is why the truth dares you. It does not just expose the abusers, thieves, and leeches of this nation who crush and undermine us. It dares some to ignite a match, even if silence kills slowly and visibly.

Truth dares you not to look away, it dares you to risk your life to speak, to resist, to march, to ensure people are heard, and to voice out truth even when it means facing your end. If Indonesia can set its streets ablaze with courage and fight for truth and justice, Filipinos, too, can light a fire of change, not in chaos, but in unity. So what now? Let the truth dare you: not to fear, but to stand firm, to rise tall, and to fight for truth and what is right for a better tomorrow.

Illustration by Raziewell Manda

11/09/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞

When engineers design their own homes, nothing is left to chance. Every detail is calculated: the structure must withstand earthquakes, the foundation must rise above floods, and the design must be striking enough to earn public admiration. Such ambitions demand a considerable budget, but the results speak for themselves—safe, resilient, and enduring.

Public projects, however, tell a very different story. That same standard is rarely seen. Huge sums of money are earmarked for specific projects not only to build but to deliver results that should reflect the same care and expertise invested in private dwellings. The question is: do they? Will engineers and contractors have the courage to stand against greed? If not, how many more bundles must be stolen before conscience finally sets in?

Every crumbling road, every abandoned building, and every unfinished bridge leaves the people asking: who should carry the weight of accountability—the builders who executed the projects or the leaders who allowed them?

That question has resurfaced amid the controversy over alleged ghost flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged misuse of flood-control funds, photos surfaced showing piles of cash supposedly tied to a project under former district engineer Henry Alcantara.

According to former DPWH Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, the photos were taken at their usual “hangout spot” in a private building near the DPWH Bulacan 1st District office. Alongside the photos, Hernandez submitted selfies and group shots with Senator Jinggoy Estrada, claiming Alcantara and Estrada were acquaintances. He also presented “disappearing messages” allegedly connected to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Hernandez went further, accusing Alcantara of orchestrating the flow of money between contractors and politicians. He alleged that both Villanueva and Estrada pocketed 30% cuts from infrastructure projects in Bulacan—claiming part of the money was even delivered directly to a senator’s residence.

All three—Villanueva, Estrada, and Alcantara—have denied the allegations. Still, the question lingers: were these bundles of cash truly meant for public works, or for private fortunes?

The hearing also revealed a lavish lifestyle among some DPWH engineers. Testimony alleged that Hernandez and Alcantara wore million-peso luxury watches, drove cars worth ₱4 million to ₱7 million in cash, and gambled in casinos “two to three times a week.” Both men denied gambling together, though they contradicted one another’s statements. Alcantara dismissed Hernandez’s claim that he had borrowed money to gamble, retorting: “If that was my money, why would I lend it? Why would I allow him to use it?”

Beyond the personal disputes, the larger issue is staggering: ghost projects—contracts that exist only on paper, with funds disbursed but no actual construction.

Private contractor Sally Santos testified that between 2022 and 2025, she delivered as much as ₱1 billion in cash, boxed and transported to Hernandez’s office. She said she had served as a “dummy contractor,” lending her license for a 3% fee while Hernandez and Alcantara allegedly controlled the projects and collected the money. The engineers then prepared the Statement of Work Accomplished (SWA), which was signed off by the project inspector.

Hernandez countered, claiming the cash boxes were brought to his office only because it was on the top floor where few people went, and that Alcantara immediately collected the money. These funds seemed to be passed around like a ball, with little regard for their intended purpose.

This scandal gained further weight when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself discovered during an inspection that a supposed river wall project in Baliwag, Bulacan—listed as completed—had no work done on-site.

The revelations have stirred public interest and raised eyebrows. In the end, it is ordinary Filipinos who bear the brunt of this negligence. Despite billions of pesos allocated for flood control, Filipinos continue to suffer from recurring floods, with homes destroyed and communities submerged. Families in low-lying areas brace themselves not with hope but with fear. Children wade through waist-deep water just to reach school, while parents struggle to rebuild lives after each deluge. The disconnect is glaring: funds released, projects reported complete, but little to show on the ground.

Yet accountability remains elusive. Investigations continue, but whether the full truth will ever be uncovered is uncertain. Until someone dares to break the silence completely, the truth stays buried. For now, much like the ghost projects themselves, those at the center of the controversy remain hidden in the shadows—while the public is left asking where their taxes truly go.

And perhaps the harshest irony is this: engineers who can build homes that stand proud and strong too often allow public works to crumble before they even rise.

Report by Andrei Anthony Cuizon and Ed Bryan Quilab
Layout by Mykaila Tulio and Reyben Castante
Photo courtesy of Rappler

11/09/2025

𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!

Thu'um, the official student publication of the College of Engineering at MSU-IIT, is proud to present our two magazines for Academic Year 2024-2025! It's been a long journey, but the impactful engineering stories of the past year shall not go unnoticed.

In our first magazine, A Towering Obstacle, we captured the challenges and first steps that define a new beginning. We wrote about the trials that may seem as daunting as a dragon-spiraled tower, while finding the courage within to face them head-on. Now, in Ember, we look back on the glowing embers that follow every great fire—the lasting triumphs, the hard-won victories, and the enduring passion that fuels our college.

Within these pages, you'll find stories of resilience, innovation, and community that reflect the heart of every student. We invite you to immerse yourselves in the experiences and ideas that have shaped our college.

Discover the stories now!

𝗔 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲
bit.ly/TTPAToweringObstacle
bit.ly/TTPAToweringObstacle
bit.ly/TTPAToweringObstacle

𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
bit.ly/TTPEmber
bit.ly/TTPEmber
bit.ly/TTPEmber

10/09/2025

𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬-𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

Five engineering students from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) have been named national runners-up in the prestigious James Dyson Award (JDA), earning recognition for their innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. Two environmental engineering students, John Joseph Banticil and Jayvimar Sumagang, were honored for their invention, ChillWise, while three civil engineering students, Sandrew Rogel Eya, Guendolyn Almonte, and Jo Jane Nalam, were recognized for their work on Lambooply. The teams were coached by Dr. Maria Sheila Ramos and Engr. Cheery May Sinadjan-Florendo, respectively.

The James Dyson Award is a renowned international design competition held in 29 countries by the James Dyson Foundation, an engineering education charity established by Sir James Dyson. The competition aims to inspire and celebrate the next generation of design engineers. Along with the national champion from the University of the Philippines – Diliman, the MSU-IIT teams will now proceed to the global round, where their inventions will be reviewed by a panel of Dyson engineers.

ChillWise is an innovative material that combines lightweight foamed concrete with heat-storing materials and agro-waste like rice hull ash and fly ash. It is designed to passively regulate indoor temperatures and reduce cooling costs. Lambooply is an engineered composite material created as a sustainable building solution for communities transitioning to eco-friendly options.

The MSU-IIT teams recently attended a media meet and greet at The Executive Centre Manila in Makati City on September 2, 2025. There, they met with members of the media and discussed their groundbreaking projects, which were chosen from entries submitted between March 12 and July 17, 2025.

The national runners-up were announced today, September 10, 2025, and will now await the shortlist of the Top 20 teams globally, to be announced on October 15, 2025. The international and sustainability winners and runners-up will be declared on November 5, 2025.

Report by Abdul Azis Pandi
Photo courtesy of James Dyson Foundation

10/09/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞

On this World Su***de Prevention Day, we emphasize the profound importance of every life—a powerful reminder that life is not expendable. Every soul carries a weight that is often invisible to others. This burden doesn’t have to be carried alone, nor should it ever be hidden when one can no longer bear it. This call to action extends beyond today; it is a commitment for tomorrow and every day that follows.

The silent battles, the days where the world feels muted and gray, and the moments when nothing feels audible or comprehensible—these are not circumstances to be ignored or set aside. They demand our time and our compassionate attention. A listening ear, a supportive embrace, and a voice to guide them are what it takes to lighten that heavy load. A simple call for help is all that’s needed to begin that process.

We can never truly know what goes on in the mind of another, nor can we see the burdens they carry or the chains they are bound by. But it is always worth the effort to ask, to check in, and to understand what is happening in their weary minds and heavy hearts. Many do not have the courage to ask for help, or are unable to due to circumstances beyond their control. This is why it is our collective responsibility to reach out to one another.

Though the experience of mental and emotional struggle can be harsh and grueling, it is never something to be ashamed of. A single call to a family member, a friend, a partner, or even a stranger can be the reason another person gains the strength to move forward. This reminds us that the weight of our struggles never has to be carried alone.

Words by Rey Joaquin Eva
Layout by Audrae Gabriel Trumata and Jethro Kyle Sumalinog

09/09/2025

𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐈𝐈𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞

The MSU-IIT CATS men’s basketball team showcased their dominance as they clawed their way from an early setback to back-to-back wins, capping their comeback with the championship crown at the Iligan Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament held on September 6–7, 2025 at the Asenso Iligan Gymnasium.

The CATS were off on a rocky start as they fell short on their opening game against Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC). The relentless CATS proved their might as they bounced back immediately, toppling over Saint Michael’s College (SMC) to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Carrying the same persistence, the CATS stormed past St. Peter’s College (SPC) in their next outing, landing a finals match against the Iligan Capitol College (ICC). In the finals match, the CATS controlled the tempo, executing strategies on both ends of the floor to close the game out, claiming their championship win.

Towering in the paint and relentless on the boards, Christianne Paring — an engineering student — stamped his authority on the tournament as he was named one of the Mythical Five: Best Center. His Mythical Five selection isn’t just a personal accolade; it’s a badge of honor for the Dragons of the COE.

With the Iligan championship title secured, MSU-IIT will now join ICC as Iligan City’s official representatives at the Diyandi Open Tournament on September 12, 2025.

Written by Kevin Sean Macasocol
Proofread by Meggs Alexander Tayag

09/09/2025

𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦, 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨'𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Mindanao State University (MSU) System and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have officially formalized their partnership to enhance education and skills development across Mindanao. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on September 8 at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City by TESDA secretary Jose Francisco Benitez and MSU system president Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA.

This landmark collaboration will focus on several key areas, including enhancing Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs on MSU campuses, implementing the Philippine Credit Transfer System, promoting halal skills, and advancing research and innovation. The partnership also aims to build trainer capacities and support community-based and lifelong learning initiatives.

This agreement reflects a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible education in underserved areas, aligning with TESDA's mission to empower communities through quality technical education. The signing ceremony was witnessed by members of the MSU Board of Regents and other key officials from both organizations.

Report by Trixy Devie Faith Nacionales
Proofread by Abdul Azis Pandi
Photo courtesy of TESDA

09/09/2025

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫

In the heart of every community, a teacher's legacy is a lasting imprint—one that shapes minds, ignites curiosity, and guides students as they explore new horizons.

Every year, from September 5 to October 5, the Philippines honors National Teachers’ Month, which culminates in the global celebration of World Teachers’ Month. It is a time to honor every educator who continually perseveres amid evolving challenges. Their influence goes far beyond the classroom—they are mentors, community builders, and champions for a brighter future. The mark they leave, etched in countless lives, is persistent, shaping the nation’s future one student, one story at a time.

Teachers hold a special and revered place in our lives, subtly shaping our growth and the people we become long after classes end. Behind every lesson plan and textbook lies a profound dedication that cannot be measured by grades and diplomas. It is a commitment driven by genuine care, boundless patience, and a steadfast faith in the potential within each student.

In classrooms filled with questions, fears, and dreams, teachers stand as beacons of hope. They see beyond mistakes and struggles, recognizing the spark of greatness waiting to be nurtured and cultivated. They are the steady hands that lift us higher when the world appears heavy and unsteady, and the voices that encourage us to try once more when giving up seems easier. The impact of these moments can ripple through a lifetime, shaping not only careers but the very essence of who we are.

In every lesson, a dedicated educator imparts more than just facts. They instill values like discipline, compassion, and resilience that students will carry through every phase of their lives. The mark left by a teacher is not fleeting; it becomes embedded in the very fabric of a student's identity, influencing their choices, dreams, and the courage to pursue them.

As we celebrate National Teachers’ Month, it is important to honor these remarkable individuals who devote themselves to the growth of others. Their efforts might be frequently overlooked, but they serve as the backbone for every achievement and breakthrough in our society. The lessons they instill reverberate far beyond the classroom walls. They remind us that education is more than just a profession—it is a blessing, a calling, and a catalyst for progress and hope. Appreciating their commitment is not only an act of gratitude but a recognition of the power they hold to change the world.

To all teachers, thank you for your unwavering dedication and constant support. We honor you—not just for what you teach, but for who you inspire.

Happy World Teachers’ Month to all remarkable educators. You are the heartbeats behind every breakthrough. Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Words by Ashley Allyssa Ravañera
Proofread by Angel Gwyneth Mariño
Illustrated by Geraldi Angelo Flores & Quimverly Jadman
Layout by Kathleen Ocaña

08/09/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: MSU-IIT engineering students earned top honors at the Academe Expo (ADXP) 2025, with Lester Jess Heyrana securing first place and Edgar Jr. Villas taking second place in the Demo competition. In the Technical Paper Conference, Ariane Pearl Abunda, Assoc. Prof. Cherry Mae Villame, and Assoc. Prof. Eddie Mondejar won best paper in the software track. The event, with the theme "Creating Tomorrow's Possibilities," was held from August 28-29, 2025, at Analog Devices Gen. Trias, Inc., Gateway Business Park, Javalera, Gen. Trias, Cavite.

08/09/2025

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Today, we solemnly celebrate the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

A day of joy and thanksgiving as we honor the birth of the Virgin Mary, who draws us closer to Christ. Her life is a model of humility, obedience, and unwavering faith. May we strive to follow her example and grow nearer to God through her intercession.

Layout by Reyben Castante and Julia Kristine Montalbo

08/09/2025

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Office of the Registrar's proposal to tighten Latin honor criteria—a move supposedly in response to a "surge" in honorees—is not just a bad idea; it's a profound miscalculation. It reveals a chilling perspective where student achievement is seen not as a triumph to be celebrated, but as a problem to be solved. An institution should be proud when more of its students excel. To cap the number of deserving graduates by making the path to academic distinction more difficult is a threat to the very essence of academic excellence. This isn't about upholding standards; it's about a panicked desire to control a metric, and in doing so, it insults the hard work of both past and future students.

The administration’s idea that a surge in honorees devalues the award is a flawed argument at best. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. It proves that the students are responding to the challenges presented to them and are rising to meet the standards set. Rather than viewing this as a sign that the current criteria are outdated, the administration should be celebrating this as a marker of the institution's success in nurturing top-tier talent. It is absurd to associate a higher number of Latin honor graduates with a decline in the quality of education at MSU-IIT, as the true measure of quality lies in the rigor of the curriculum and the performance of the students within it, which has only improved. This proposal is a slap in the face to every student who dedicated countless hours to their studies.

This proposal fundamentally misunderstands the student journey. By introducing rigid rules like a minimum grade of 2.25 in all major subjects and a blanket "no failing or dropped grades," the administration is telling students, "𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲." This is a punitive, not a supportive, approach to academic rigor. It punishes a student who had bad semesters due to personal or academic struggles, effectively erasing years of perseverance and outstanding performance that followed—one that says "𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗱. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.” An accolade meant to symbolize a student’s entire college life should not be stripped away by one or few stumbles, especially when the very essence of learning is rising from a challenge. It's a dealbreaker rule that neglects the idea of "coming back stronger"—the kind of resilience every engineer needs.

The proposed four-year program completion rule is particularly ludicrous. It’s a punitive measure that fails to account for the realities of academic life. The proponents of this rule seem to forget that students come from all walks of life with different experiences. This is an elitist proposal that dismisses the challenges faced by students who need to take a break due to financial problems, family emergencies, or mental health issues. What about students who shifted programs, or those whose academic timelines were derailed by subjects only offered once a year? 𝗜𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱, 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁.

To the College of Engineering administration, we urge you to oppose this proposal. You, more than anyone, are a witness to our struggles and triumphs. You have seen firsthand how we face rigorous coursework and long hours. You understand that a single low grade doesn't define our worth or potential. This is a moment to stand with your students, to show that you value our dedication, perseverance, and the spirit of an engineer who gets back up again.

While this remains a proposal, and we shouldn't worry until it is approved, the implications or the thought process behind it is what is truly concerning. It suggests a fundamental shift in institutional values, where academic success is measured not by the collective rise of its students, but by the number of students it can intentionally limit. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲—𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱—𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝘄. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘂𝘀, 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯, 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲.

Ultimately, this proposal is more than just a change in academic policy; it's a statement about what we value as an institution. We urge the administration to reconsider this course of action and stand with its students. We shall not be a college that fears success or punishes resilience. Instead, let us celebrate the hard work of our graduates and recognize that a degree from this institution, crowned with a Latin honor, is a testament not to a flawless run, but to an unwavering commitment to excellence, no matter the obstacles.

Illustration by Raziewell Manda and Geraldi Angelo Flores

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