Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus ignited the spirit of the 127th Philippine Independence Day with a moving ceremony at the Antonio Isidro Hall on June 12, 2025. The entire university community gathered, united in honoring the nation’s hard-fought freedom and reflecting on its enduring legacy. The day’s events served as a powerful tribute not only to Philippine independence but also to the enduring contributions of past leaders.
The ceremony began with a powerful invocation by Mohammad Jihan M. Macarambon, a faculty member of KFCIAAS and Special Assistant to the Office of the President, setting a reverent tone. The crisp precision of the MSU ROTC Unit Advance Cadets presenting the colors was a breathtaking display of discipline and patriotism. The University Band then filled the hall with the soaring notes of the Philippine National Anthem and the resonant strains of the Bangsamoro Hymn β a vibrant testament to national unity embracing regional identity.
Professor Alikhan Pandapatan of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities led the impassioned Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas), followed by a heartfelt Salute to the Flag (Pagpupugay sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) by the University Colors, ROTC Officers, and University Police β a powerful visual representation of the institution’s unwavering respect for national symbols.
Engr. Rasid M. Paca, JD, DPA, Officer-in-Charge President of the MSU System, delivered a stirring Independence Day message. He paid tribute to the late President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno for building a strong foundation for the university during his administration. Engr. Paca then pledged to continue the work, striving to solidify MSU’s position as a leading national peace university in the country. He also urged the university community to embody the spirit of independence through continuous learning, civic responsibility, loyalty, and dedication to national progress.
“Independence does not only mean being free from foreign rule. It means being free to dream, to work, and to serve. It means building a country where justice and compassion are alive. It means doing our part everyday to make the Philippines a better place to live,” highlighted by OIC President Engr. Paca.
The ceremony concluded with the University Band’s moving rendition of the Himno ng Pamantasan (University Hymn), echoing MSU’s unwavering commitment to its mission. Professor Johanna Rania Salic of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) emceed the event, ensuring a seamless and deeply meaningful experience.
MSU’s commemoration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day was more than a ceremony; it was a powerful reaffirmation of the sacrifices made for freedom and a resounding call to action for every Filipino, especially those within academia, to champion and nurture the nation’s independence and aspirations for a brighter future.
