By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
Mindanao State University-Integrated Laboratory School (MSU-ILS), led by Assistant Dean Prof. Intesar T. Aba-Conding, hosted back-to-back ceremonies yesterday, May 20, 2026, at the International Convention Center (ICC). The day’s events were anchored on the theme, “MSU-ILS@61: Empowering Learners through Inclusive Education for Peace and Shared Futures.”
The milestone celebration began with the 61st Graduation Ceremony for the Elementary Level. The guest speaker was Hon. Engr. Ali S. Sumandar, MPA, the Municipal Mayor of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. In his address, Mayor Sumandar described elementary graduation as the foundational first step in a lifelong educational journey. He encouraged the graduates to stay curious, maintain the core values taught by MSU-ILS, and remain resilient as they transition into junior high school. His message focused on the power of determination, urging the youth to view the future as an opportunity to grow and eventually give back to their communities.
A highlight of the morning was the performance of the tribute song, “Handog,” by the graduates and the presentation of awards to outstanding and meritorious students. Princess Hannya M. Jalil was recognized as the sole academic excellence awardee with high honors and the class valedictorian, earning a general final average of 95.042. Nine other students received academic excellence recognition with honors, namely, Akifah A. Maruhom (Class Salutatorian), Fatmah Alzahra A. Marohomsalic (1st Honorable Mention), Omar Al-Imam B. Datu-Dacula (2nd Honorable Mention), Janifah D. Aguam (3rd Honorable Mention), Wareesha H.Y. Ambor (4th Honorable Mention), Atiqah Zaitoonah T. Alioden (5th Honorable Mention), Azheeyana A. Ampoga, Hamza I. Magolama, and Fatmah Zainah D. Tomanong.
In the afternoon, the institution transitioned to its 11th Junior High School Completion Ceremony. MSU System President Atty. Palsalin P.D. Tago, CPA, spoke about the profound impact of secondary education on personal growth. He framed the graduation as both a celebration of academic success and a milestone for developing personal responsibility, noting from his own life experience that high school remains the most vital and memorable period of an educational journey.
Dr. Minerva-Saminah M. Naga, Vice President and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, commended the students for persevering through academic difficulties. She emphasized that their achievements reflected their evolving character rather than just knowledge and skills. Dr. Naga noted that their years at MSU-ILS had successfully instilled core values like respect, honesty, kindness, and cooperation, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
The afternoon guest speaker was Dr. Moamar M. Casim, MD, FPSO-HNS, FPCS, who centered his address on the intersection of self-discipline, mindset, and health. He noted that talent without discipline is like a vehicle without fuel, stressing that true discipline requires choosing consistency over convenience. However, he cautioned that discipline must be paired with a positive mindset and trust in God to keep from becoming rigid.
Drawing from his medical background, Dr. Casim raised concerns about the rising number of students getting sick from sleep deprivation, excessive phone use, and over-studying, reminding the audience that anything in excess can become harmful. He urged the completers to view their minds and bodies as a sacred trust, look after their well-being, and remain anchored in their faith as good Muslims.
Reflecting on his own graduation in 1997 as part of a batch named “D’Precedent,” Dr. Casim designated the current completers as the new precedent and living proof of inclusive education. He concluded by telling the students that long-term success is not a matter of luck, but the result of deliberate, daily choices regarding their discipline, mindset, friendships, and values.
Among the honorees were Athna Juhaisie M. Tanog, finishing with First Honors; Mohammad Sufflan M. H. Edres, finishing with Second Honors; and Muizza Sahreen T. Sharief and Jerico M. Alfeche, who both finished with Fourth Honors. In recognition of their progression, the junior high school completers performed their tribute song, “We Made It Through,” and the batch song, “This is Our Time.”
Ultimately, this joint graduation and completion ceremony served as a formal confirmation of the academic progress and development of the students within the MSU System. Over six decades of hosting elementary graduations, MSU-ILS has operated as a foundational institution in Marawi City, maintaining regional stability and progress through education. By transitioning elementary graduates into secondary education and moving junior high school completers closer to higher studies, the ceremony validated the institution’s capacity to build values, civic discipline, and academic competencies necessary for the future professional workforce of the community.
