15/07/2025
𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵: 𝗠𝗦𝗨- 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀- 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆
The atmosphere at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao was filled with a sense of excitement, opportunity, and purpose as student leaders gathered for a significant milestone—the first-ever Campus-Wide Oath Taking and Turnover Ceremony. Held on July 8, 2025, at 8:00 AM in the Audio-Visual Room, CAS, this historic event marked the formal transition of leadership across the university’s student council.
Spearheaded by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) under the supervision and guidance of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA), the event was attended by university officials, faculty advisers, and student leaders from various colleges and organizations.
In her inspirational message, Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona emphasized a leadership model that includes not only the SSC but the broader student body. Her call for inclusivity, open dialogue, and student-centered planning resonated strongly with attendees.
“I hope this batch of officers pagusapan ninyo ang gusto ninyo. We will continue to work with you and address your concern. Pagusapan natin yung mga trainings that will best suit you—and of course not just the SSC officers, but gusto ko yung [kasali] ano, the student body itself. Pagaralan natin yan. And the SSC officers—once you're an SSC officer, you're not only officers of the College but officers of the student body. So on top of everything you’re doing sa sarili ninyo, sa inyong colleges or programs, you’re also putting the needs of the student body first—and why and how can we help. And in the end, you can rest assured that kami, we’re here to guide you and provide whatever you need.”
In her message of support, Ms. Julmaheria Salipada — the SSC Adviser offered an inspiring message of gratitude and encouragement. “To all our outgoing student leaders—from the Supreme Student Council down to each college-based organization—maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo, dedikasyon, at tapat na paglilingkod. We saw how much of yourselves you poured into serving the student body. You didn’t lead for recognition. You led because you genuinely cared. And that kind of service reflects the vision of our Chancellor—a student leadership that is grounded, compassionate, and deeply responsive to the needs of our community.”
She also addressed the incoming officers with a heartfelt call:
“Now, to our incoming student leaders, this is your time. And I hope you step into this role not just with excitement, but with intention.”
Newly appointed SSC President Rhejam Omar took the stage following the official oath-taking ceremony. Reflecting on her journey as a student leader, she shared a profound definition of leadership drawn from experience.
"Hindi po kailangang maingay para makapaglingkod. Minsan, ang pinakatahimik ay siyang pinaka-taos sa puso. To the administration, faculty, and most especially to my fellow students—maraming salamat po sa tiwala. This position is not just a title—it is a responsibility I carry with respect, with care, and with the sincere intention to contribute meaningfully to our university.”
Outgoing SSC President Norjannah Campiao delivered her final message, expressing gratitude to her fellow student leaders, the university administration, and their SSC Adviser for their support—closing a chapter of service marked by consistency and commitment.
“We've had the distinct honor of serving for three consecutive semesters—a significant amount of time that has been immeasurably worth it and probably one of the longest-serving councils. I hope you will not just match our legacy and success, but surpass it. I hope you will build upon our foundations and create an even more successful and improved council, as it should be. True leadership isn't about personal glory; it's about the collective good, about uplifting those you serve, and about paving the way for those who will come after you.”
In addition, Nouf Mohammad, the outgoing Secretary General, shared her experiences and insights on why she chose to continue serving meaningfully, and offered valuable advice to incoming student leaders. In line with this, the ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation to outgoing officers, honoring their contributions to the university community. This gesture reflected the university’s commitment to recognizing student leaders who serve with heart and purpose.
Also in attendance were college student council advisers: Joey Baldestamon (CASSA), Datu Haris Esmail (CPAGSA), Marcelita Laure (COFESBO), and Giselle Alom (CESO). Together with student leaders—both outgoing and incoming—from different colleges and societies, they stood in unity to celebrate the seamless transition of leadership.
As the new officers officially assumed their roles, the university reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a leadership culture that is grounded, student-centered, and built for the future. Indeed, MSU-Maguindanao continues to build not just leaders of today—but visionaries for tomorrow.
✍🏽: Alyajier M. Midtimbang
🖼️: Esmail A. Simpal
