A story of teamwork, intellect, and the MSU spirit in action
The Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus once again brought pride to the Maranao homeland as its student representatives secured the 1st Runner-Up title in the 2025 IP C.I.R.C.L.E. League: The Quiz, held on November 12, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in Taguig City.
The MSU team—composed of Rasleah I. Abdulkader and Riham M. Dimalotang from the College of Engineering (COE) and Naif M. Magandia from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA)—demonstrated remarkable synergy, composure, and critical thinking throughout the grueling rounds of competition. Their combined strengths in analysis, reasoning, and recall made them an indomitable trio in this nationwide intellectual property (IP) challenge.
Forged Through Collaboration and Leadership
Behind this stellar performance was the inspiring collaboration of two former Chiefs of the MSU Intellectual Property Office (IPO)—Prof. Charlou A. Bautista, faculty of the CBAA Marketing Department and Special Assistant to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Kristine Marfe A. Marohomsalic, faculty of the COE Chemical Engineering Department. Their mentorship—melding the analytical rigor of engineering with the strategic foresight of marketing—embodied the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration, a true hallmark of MSU’s approach to learning and innovation.
The Road to Victory: A Test of Teamwork and Tenacity
Organized by the IP Academy of IPOPHL, the IP C.I.R.C.L.E. (Create. Interact. Refine. Compete. Learn. Experience.) League is a prestigious national competition designed to deepen students’ understanding of IP systems, including the Philippine IP Code (R.A. 8293), international treaties (TRIPS, Berne, Paris, Madrid, PCT, Hague), and emerging topics such as digital IP, AI, and sustainable innovation.
From the start, the MSU team’s journey was a story of teamwork under pressure:
- Preliminary Round (Written Exam): The trio ranked Top 4, confidently advancing to the semi-finals.
- Semi-Final Round (Board-Answer Format): Through collective reasoning and quick consensus, they secured a Top 5 finish—earning their spot in the final stage.
- Final Round (Jeopardy and Power Play): The tension peaked in this nerve-breaking stage where teams employed tactical “powers” such as Freeze, Deduct, Block, and Transfer. MSU, initially a quiet contender, displayed stunning consistency and coordination—earning them the reputation of the dark horse that stunned the crowd by surging to 2nd place overall, second only to the University of the Philippines College of Law.
Their secret weapon? Unbreakable teamwork. Rasleah’s calm logic, Riham’s technical mastery, and Naif’s confident articulation created a balance that turned every question into a collective victory. Their synchronized approach and trust in one another exemplified how unity transforms individual brilliance into shared success.
The Country’s Top Five Intellectual Contenders
At the end of the competition, the final national ranking stood as follows:
- University of the Philippines College of Law – Champion
- Mindanao State University Main Campus – 1st Runner-Up
- Mountain Province State University – 2nd Runner-Up
- University of Baguio – 3rd Runner-Up
- Pampanga State University College of Law – 4th Runner-Up
Each team received plaques, certificates, and gift certificates, with MSU proudly bringing home ₱15,000 worth of gift certificates, along with the recognition of being one of the most promising IP advocates in the country.
Gratitude and Institutional Pride
The MSU delegation extended their heartfelt thanks to the University System President Atty. Paisalin P. Tago, CPA, for his continued support for innovation and excellence; to Vice President for Academic Affairs Minerva-Saminah M. Naga and Vice President Alma E. Berowa for cultivating an environment that empowers young scholars to pursue national excellence; to the Director Sarifa Sofia Macarambon-Ali, concurrent Chief of the MSU Intellectual Property Office, for her unwavering support; and to COE Dean Engr. Karla M. Madrid-Khalid and CBAA Dean Dr. Imara C. Andam, CPA, for their steadfast guidance and encouragement.
Teamwork, Tenacity, and Tatak MSU
Beyond accolades, this triumph reflects MSU’s spirit of collaboration—where teamwork transcends disciplines and intellect serves a shared purpose. The team’s journey exemplifies the essence of Tatak MSU: excellence grounded in unity, resilience, and passion for nation-building through knowledge and innovation.
The victory of the MSU IP Quiz Team is not just a win for the university—it is a statement that Mindanao’s brilliance stands tall on the national stage, driven by the power of teamwork and the pursuit of intellectual excellence.
