By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
Mindanao State University (MSU) achieved a major milestone in research excellence as both the MSU-Main Campus in Marawi City and MSU-Maguindanao were honored by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) on December 17, 2025. During the RDLead Conference and Year-End Assembly held at the Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque City, the institutions were recognized for their outstanding performance under the Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) Program. Specifically, MSU-Main Campus was distinguished with the Publication Productivity Award for achieving one of the top numbers of Scopus-indexed publications, while MSU Maguindanao received the Engagement Achievement Award for its high research index scores and successful project involvement.
The awards were received by a dedicated delegation of university leaders who have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. Dr. Fema Abamo, former Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Development (VCRED) of the Main Campus, acting as the Project Leader and Proponent alongside RDLeader and retired UP Diliman Professor Dr. Zubaida U. Basiao, accepted the honors on behalf of the MSU-Main Campus. Dr. Abamo was joined by Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin, who represented MSU Maguindanao and RDLeader Dr. Emilia T. Quinitio. Together, these leaders exemplify the collaborative spirit and technical expertise required to elevate the university system’s research standards to a national level.
This recognition marks a significant leap for the scientific community in the Bangsamoro region, proving that Mindanao-based institutions are leading the way in academic innovation. By leveraging the mentorship of the NRCP RDLead Program, MSU has successfully enhanced its capacity to produce high-impact scholarly works that address both local and national needs. The ceremony concluded as a celebration of these milestones, reinforcing MSU’s mission to provide transformative leadership through instruction, research, extension and sustainable development.
