By Ruffa Siarza and Rashe M. Macawadib
Photos by The UNICA Post
The Mindanao State University-Main Campus successfully concluded its Literary Competition (LitCom) final rounds on October 15, 2025, at the International Convention Center (ICC), as a significant part of the University’s 64th founding anniversary celebration. Students from numerous colleges showcased their brilliant linguistic and artistic talents, culminating in an overall victory for the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH). The central creative theme was “Inklusibong Pamantasan” (Inclusive University), which challenged participants to articulate visions of a more welcoming and diverse university. The day’s proceedings were hosted by Ms. Faiza Alonto.
The LitCom featured a full range of categories in both English and Filipino. The English group included Speech Choir, Extemporaneous Speech, Declamation, Essay Writing, and Reader’s Theater. The Filipino group consisted of Aktwal na Talumpati, Sabayang Pagbigkas, Tanghal Tula, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, and Balagtasan. The competition, organized by the CSSH, held its Elimination Rounds on October 8–9, where only five (5) colleges in each category secured a spot in the final round.
The results showed a wide spread of talent across the campus. The CSSH earned the title of Overall-Champion through its consistent excellence, securing wins in Extemporaneous Speech and Essay Writing (English) and Pagsulat ng Sanaysay (Filipino). The College of Health Sciences (CHS) made a strong impression, winning Speech Choir and Reader’s Theater (English), and Tanghal Tula (Filipino). The College of Education (CED) dominated the Filipino performance categories, becoming Champions in Talumpati, Balagtasan, and Sabayang Pagbigkas. The College of Public Affairs (CPA) performed exceptionally well, winning the Declamation Competition. The overall rankings were fiercely earned: CSSH was named Overall-Champion, followed by CHS as 1st Runner Up, and CED as 2nd Runner Up. The event concluded with winners receiving coveted trophies and cash prizes.
Ms. Yasmin Mangotara, College Secretary of CSSH and part of the Overall Working Committee, shared the key importance of the LitCom to the University’s founding anniversary. She noted, “I think the epitome of inclusivity with regards to the competitions we have now is the Literary Competition. Because there is an assumption that these kinds of competitions are for fields and programs who specialize in arts. But the reality of MSU is that our talents inside the campus are spread out.” Ms. Mangotara stressed that the competition is for all students who share a passion for the arts, perfectly accommodating the theme of “Inklusibong Pamantasan.” The LitCom’s success not only crowned new champions but also amplified the vital conversation surrounding inclusivity, proving that literary flair is not limited to any single academic field.
