The Dimaporo Gymnasium buzzed with excitement on February 20, 2025, as Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus celebrated its 61st commencement exercises. The theme, “MSU: Sustaining an Equipoise of Technology and Moral-Spiritual Values Amidst Prodigious Change,” set the tone for a ceremony that honored the achievements of the graduating Rangkamanis class—a name signifying the “glow of honor” they carry forward.
In his welcome remarks, MSU System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno eloquently captured the spirit of Rangkamanis, stating, “The meaning I got from the name Rangkamanis is ‘glow of honor.’ This term is aspirational, reflecting the desire and hope that our graduates leave these halls with that glow, having survived the rigors of their programs, overcome challenges, and prevailed victoriously. May your lives radiate this glow, a true emblem of being a Tatak MSU graduate.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of an Honoris Causa Doctor of Philosophy in Economics upon the commencement speaker, Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. Secretary Pangandaman’s inspiring journey as a Meranaw leader, coupled with her significant contributions to the field of economics, made her an ideal role model for the graduating class. In her address, she acknowledged the transformative power of technology while emphasizing the persistent societal challenges that require the graduates’ attention and expertise. She challenged the graduates to use their knowledge and skills to address issues such as conflict, poverty, education gaps, climate change, and gender biases, leaving the graduating class with a powerful call to action.
This year’s valedictorian, Arif T. Kurangking, a summa cum laude graduate in AB Islamic Studies with a 1.190 CGPA, delivered a particularly poignant reflection. His address resonated with the graduating class: “Today is not just a day of celebration; it is a day of reckoning. It is the day we rise from the pages of our past and step boldly into the unwritten chapter of our future.” Arif, President of the Islamic Studies Students’ Association (ISSA) and a consistent Chancellor’s Honor List recipient, also showcased his commitment to artistic expression through his advocacy initiative, ARTvocacy, which empowers young artists across Lanao.
The ceremony also included a pledge of loyalty led by the class salutatorian, Gilbert C. Baradillo, a magna cum laude graduate with a 1.229 CGPA in BTLED Home Economics from the College of Education. His leadership in this moment further solidified the class’s commitment to their alma mater and their future endeavors.
The 61st commencement exercises were a powerful blend of celebration and reflection, honoring the accomplishments of the 840 Rangkamanis graduates and highlighting MSU’s commitment to producing graduates prepared to navigate a complex world. President Mapupuno’s words, coupled with Secretary Pangandaman’s inspiring address, Arif Kurangking’s poignant reflection, and Gilbert Baradillo’s leading of the pledge of loyalty, created a memorable and impactful event, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
As the ceremony concluded, the resounding voices of the Rangkamanis class singing the MSU Hymn served as a powerful affirmation of their commitment to the university’s values. This shared act of singing, a tradition deeply ingrained in MSU culture, symbolized their ongoing dedication to upholding the “glow of honor” (Rangkamanis) wherever their paths may lead. The hymn, particularly the last part, “Saan man naroon ay Bigyang karangalan, Dakilang paaralan, Pamantasang Mindanao,” became a powerful reminder that even as they embark on their individual journeys, they remain connected to MSU and committed to representing its legacy with distinction.ontent
