A profound sense of purpose, interwoven with a palpable undercurrent of grief, marked Mindanao State University’s (MSU) Main Campus training and seminar workshop on basic archiving and digitization of records on May 27, 2025, at CHTM Pavilion. The event, sponsored by MSU-Main Campus and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), brought together Records Officers (ROs) and Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from all MSU units, united in their commitment to safeguarding MSU’s records and heritage. The recent passing of the University’s esteemed leader cast a shadow of sorrow, yet the proceedings stood as a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to preserving MSU’s rich history.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address from Atty. Jayneveb Recentes-Magolama, Director of the University Quality Assurance Office, setting a tone of reflection and determination. Following this, Dr. Ibrahim H. Aliponto, Director of the Office of the President-Record Management Office, delivered the final address of MSU System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno—a poignant call to action that resonated deeply, its emotional power amplified by the circumstances.
“In a country like ours—where we are vulnerable to typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and even man-made crises—being prepared is not just practical; it is essential. Our records, books, and archives are more than documents. They are the custodians of our institutional memory and the foundation of our academic and administrative continuity. As stewards of learning and truth, we must ensure that our system is resilient, our personnel equipped, and our protocols responsive to the unique challenges we face here in our locality. May this workshop empower us to protect our cultural and academic treasures, and to emerge from every challenge with even greater strength and purpose. Let us be ready—not just to respond, but to lead.” This heartfelt message, imbued with the President’s deep love for MSU and its Meranaw heritage (as a respected Sultan), served as a powerful inspiration.
The comprehensive program featured expert presentations that provided both knowledge and practical skills. Ms. Emma M. Rey, Head of the NCCA-National Committee on Archives, delivered a compelling presentation on Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Assessment for Records Centers, Libraries, and Archives, offering invaluable insights into disaster recovery strategies for archival materials. Assoc. Prof. Rosemarie O. Roque, Director of the PUP University Records Management Office and the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA), shared her expertise on digitization, digital preservation, and reformatting, tackling the key challenges of digitization standards, guidelines, procedures, storage, and the crucial aspects of managing digitization projects. Prof. Sorhaila L. Latip-Yusoph, PhD, Director of MSU-Office of Information, Press and Publication and MSU-Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, eloquently underscored the profound importance of preserving Mindanao’s rich cultural heritage, adding a crucial layer of cultural sensitivity to the discussions. The workshop also covered essential techniques for salvaging and recovering water-damaged documents, emphasizing immediate separation of wet and dry materials (including the use of freezing) and meticulous drying techniques (like interleaving) to prevent irreparable damage.
The workshop’s success reflects the late MSU System President Mapupuno’s enduring legacy of commitment to preserving cultural heritage. This achievement underscores MSU’s dedication to safeguarding its institutional memory, ensuring the longevity of its archival holdings and thereby securing its legacy for future generations. This will enable MSU to conserve not only its past but also strategically plan for its future development.
