Ad Infinitum Feb-Mar Issue

EditorialBoard EditorialBoard

PublicationAdviser

ASSOC.PROF.ALDRINEA.CAGANG,Ph.D.

JAMESBERNARDB.MONTEZA

Editor-in-Chief

YZAT.CUAJOTOR AssociateEditor

MYKEALBERTSANTANDER DesignEditor

RHYCAYLLAHP.VILLANUEVA ManagingandFinanceEditor

NewsEditor:FarahDimpas

JuniorNewsEditor:KBReboldad

OpinionEditor:JirehChiyelleMaghinay

FeaturesEditor:Ma.CarmelBajao

JuniorFeaturesEditor:MarkPoloMacaraya

SportsEditor:KharlTayco

ProofreadingHead:AaqilahMangarun

JuniorProofreadingHead:StephenGuisando

LayoutandGraphicsHead:RaegelBesin

JuniorLayoutandGraphicsHead:GwynethTaruc

CartoonandIllustrationHead:JinkyMillenBoa

JuniorCartoonandIllustrationHead:RenzRemotin

PhotographyHead:MilesLlagas

JuniorPhotography Head:MarkVillondo

VideographyHead:SeanKeenethJizdeOrtega

JuniorVideoHead:JessamieFaithVicilla

HumanResourceManager:WalidOmar

OnlineAccountsManager:VinceEmano

PublicationSecretary:MeaReyPerez

Staff: JhannaSolatorio,FrenzTimtim,JullieMomo, ZaashraEscutin,HuiMoonCheong,

It’sthemiddleofthesecondsemester,andAdInfinitum hastransitionedintoabimonthlyissue,giventhehectic workload that the second semester brings. Yet, amidst the various challenges brought upon by the everchangingacademicworkload,thelocalizedchallenges of increasing heat and never-ending extracurricular responsibilities,thefiregoesonandisneverputout

This issue focuses on our continual drive towards excellence,manifestedbyourrecently-concludedCSM days,somethingthathasbeencompletelymanifested in our continual preparation for this year’s University Games. The publication congratulates all the victors in thisyear’sconvergenceofCSMtalents,well-awarethat the real victor at the end of the day should be our college, who drives for excellence amidst the tosses and turns of university life, and its students that overcome today’s contemporary struggles using 21st centuryskills

Last February, we bid goodbye to one of our most talented cartoonists, Ate Ada Bahian during the midyear graduation With one less staff member to guide us with our illustration journeys, we also welcomed more journalists, Miles, for our photo team, and Sean as well as Faith, for our emerging video coverage. Indeed, as we rage ablaze, we must also show that CSM students and alumni are also adaptablewiththetimes,whenpeopleseekforvictory, it is not the strongest or the most populous who will attain victory, but those who stick with loyalty and adapt to change Indeed, CSM br anothercrossroadsasitcontinuesto choosethepursuitofexcellenceabo all,thatbycommittingtowhatisbes wemayrisetoupliftourcollege,our university,andourcountrytoa blazingpathofsuccess.

EditorInChief

Raging ablaze, Lynxes are ready to conquer this year’s PALAKASAN and beyond, driven by a continual passion towards excellence and a drive towards making a difference for excellence Indeed, as the days pass by, the passion of Lynxes in taking on a collective effort to make all Lynxes proud.

Indeed, leaving a competitive legacy only scratches the surface of our commitment towards bringing honor to CSM, yet as our achievements shine brighter, we unleash the inner Lynx within us, the call to rise higher ever resounds in our commitment in becoming the best versions of ourselves in our day-to-day experience as we continue to move, forever onward

Coverby:YzaCuajotor

JamesMonteza

JhannaSolatorio

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

Photosby:MilesLlagas

2024CSMDaysConcludes,Demacia (AnBDV)EmergesasOverallChamps

p y goes to Zaun (MicroBot) with the third place at Shadow Isles (SMASChem) Finally, Shurima (MarPhy) ended the games bagging the fourth runner up placement.

2023 CSM Ambassador Luigi Dianne Guioguio also bid adieu to her title as the new ambassador hailing from SMASChem, Faith Izzy Bengil, also received her crown that night.

This year's League of Legendsthemed CSM Days was a week-long celebration filled with literary, special and sports events which lasted from February 12 until February 15, 2024

The kickoff commenced with the lighting of the cauldron fronting the CSM building by CSM Dean Prof Jan Mickelle Maratas, CSMEC Governor Johanisah Naga, and the team captains from LOL regions Zaun, Demacia, Shadow Isles, and Shurima Banners for the respective kingdoms were then unfurled witharesoundingroundofapplause.

Guaranteeing fairness of play at all times, the oath of sportsmanship was led by CSMEC SPODA chairperson Quesie Omnos. The crowd then proceeded to the Gym to begin asagaofgreatness

Zaun took home most of the trophies in the literary events, sweeping the special awards in Kamras Pubverse and Radio Broadcasting, as well as taking a two-peat win in the quiz bowl. However, Demacia denied the said team a chance to defend the title as they swept over the sports events, especially on the women’s volleyball category, where even after a twice-tobeat advantage by Zaun, AnBDV still claimed the championship in this year’s legendary college days.

LEFT:CSMGovernorJohanisahNagawitnessesa flaming sight over the antiquated CSM facade, with team captains looking onward ABOVE” Mx CSM Ambassador Faith Bengil receiving her crown from the 2023 titleholder, Luigi Dianne Guioguio

FarahDimpas

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

Photosby:MilesLlagas

In a celebration of innovation and triumph, over a hundred faculty researcher-awardees and students gathered in the University Gymnasium March 8, 2024, to cap off MSU-IIT’s first Research Week.

The highlight of the said closing ceremony was the awarding of outstanding faculty researchers who have published Scopus-indexed papers, book and book chapters in national and international circulation, conference best papers or posters, and authors of creative works

"The most beautiful thing that I witness is the joy of doing research; this [research week] will strengthen camaraderie among students, researchers, and university heads."

Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Ephrime Metillo highlighted in his welcoming remarks

Meanwhile, Executive Order 009, Series of 2024 from the Office of the University Chancellor, declared the Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM) as the Graduate School of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM)

TOP: Chancellor Ditucalan opens the 2024 Research Week celebrations with distinguished faculty and guests in attendance, led by the National Research Council of the Philippines

President Dr Leslie Michelle M Dalmacio BOTTOM; Various exhibits line up on the UniversityGymnaisumforResearchWeek

Chancellor Ditucalan also highlighted that not only fellow faculty members and MSU-IIT students were inspired by the works exhibited during the Research Week, but also students and visitors who appreciated the innovations done by colleges and research centers in the University, especially in the researchoriented activities and opportunities that marked this week’s sojourn

After the opening program, Faculty and student researchers as well as guests and visitors took part on an interactive orientation of the Research and Enterprise Cluster under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise.

MSU-IIT's Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office also conducted a foundation course on Intellectual Property from March 5-6, 2024, at the PRISM second-floor conference hall.

Moreover, Lynxes from various CSM graduate and undergraduate programs converged in this year's CSM Research Colloquium held at Lecture Halls A, B, and C on March 6, 2024.

The Departments of Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Marine Sciences held their colloquia from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, while the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, as well as the Environmental Science Graduate Program held their presentations from 14 p.m. A week-long Innovation Expo was also held in the University Gymnasium to host a variety of IITian research and products for the public eye

A proposal writing workshop for faculty and researchers, as well as an innovation startup workshop by IDEYA concluded the list of diverse activities that reseacrh week offered IITians to enjoy.

AaqilahMangarun

Proofreadby:JullieMomo,StephenGuisando

Talented campus journalists from the many student publications and colleges in MSU-IIT converged in the CED Amphitheater for the firstever SICLAB: MSU-IIT Interpublication Training and Workshop last March 9, 2024, under the theme, “Sharpening IITian Cubs’ Literary and Artistic Brilliance”.

Spearheaded by Silahis, the official student publication of MSU-IIT, SICLAB promised to be an event that will not only hone the skills of budding student journalists but also unite the publications under one banner and mission: to spread the truth for the sake of the university’s constituents

Asst. Prof. Phyllis Marie Teanco, Office of Student Development Services director, highlighted the role of the student publications to bring out awareness to students and bring out information. “It [brings] more academic stature if we have a very thriving campus journalism because they will strike a balance to bring out critical issues not only in the University but so much [also] on global issues ”

Silahis adviser Loi Deriada also urged participants to be responsible in writing and fact-checking and always bind themselves in the truth.

“Hindi tayo tumitigil sa pagtatama ng kamalian Nagbabalita tayo sa [kung ano ang] tapat at tunay,” he concluded.

The opening program was graced by the presence of guest speaker Asst Prof. Felipe Salvosa II, the assistant publications adviser of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) His opening lecture on Journalism Fundamentals provided an eye-opening insight into what makes a student publication tick. Further, he expressed his interest in collaboration and networking opportunities with the university in the future.

Afterward, discussions for literary and design staff were held simultaneously in the Amphitheater and CASS rooms

Asst. Prof. Maria Theresa Panzo, a faculty member from the English Department, narrated her heydays as a feature writer at The Weekly Sillimanian to the literary writers On the other side of the campus, Mr Jan Chrisitan Pagarigan, a staff photographer and designer for MSUIIT’s Office of Communications, imparted an essence of layout and cartooning basics

The competitive spirit of student journalists was ignited for the latter half of the event, the PASICLABAN, which consisted of individual categories for news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, sci-tech writing, sports writing, proofreading, editorial cartooning, and photojournalism, as well as the Collaborative Desktop Publishing (CDP) for the team category

Competing for the top were teams from Thu’um, Sindaw, the CCS Executive Council, Ad Infinitum, and Silahis Teams furiously wrote every word and drew every line for their submissions until the last second of the clock

After everyone’s buzzing excitement died down, it was time to showcase the works of the participants Silahis Editor-in-Chief Liezl Mae Lozano expressed her sincerest gratitude to everyone for their exuberant participation, highlighting improvements for future interpublication collaborations The tiring yet fulfilling day concluded at 8 p m with a photo opportunity among student publications and teams eager to take a spark onto what lies beyond

A timeless Voyage of Cultural Symphony

CARMELBAJAO|PHOTO:MILESLLAGAS

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

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resounding with a sense of pride and unity, powerful linesechoedthroughthehallsofthe University Gymnasium in this year’s Gabi ng Sining opening production number, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”.

That night, MSU-IIT moved towards the Ani ng Sining: a contemporary harvest of creativity in a nation born of artistry Graced by none other than National Artist for Music, Ramon P Santos, Gabi ng Sining stood as a paragon of emulating the spirit of Filipino artistry from traditional through avant-garde styles. ����������������������������,

In celebration of National Arts Month, the brilliance of IITians is highlighted by showcasing the remarkable legacies of national artists through music and dance

Prof AmadoC Guinto,Jr,thedirectorof the Center for Culture and Arts, expressed in his opening address that by having these talents, we spread awareness of the significance of Filipino arts and culture not only inside the university,butalsoinsocialexpression

A Meranaw introduction recognizing the role of the University in preserving their living traditions preceded the cultural showcase of Kalilang and Kalimulan, as both groups showcased the beauty of Mindanaoanindigenousdance.

Ringkaran delivered the classic folk song, “O, Ilaw” by the National Artist Lucio San Pedrowiththeirseraphicvoices

ECHOES then exhibited a captivating performance, blending a medley of Ryan Cayabyab’s timeless hits, including “TuwingUmuulan”,“LimangDipangTao”, “Nais Ko,” and “Paraiso”, enchanting the audience with their resonant voices and dynamic stage presence, captivating the crowdwithall-timePinoyhits.

Madnessandvividfigurativeexpressions werebroughttolifebytheOrionsasthey showcased their powerful and synchronized dance moves inspired by themasterpieceoftheNationalArtistfor VisualArts,AngKiukok

Finally, the Octava Choral Society breathed life into National Artist Ramon P. Santos’ magnum opus “Purihin si Yahweh”, a rendition he was able to personallywitnessthatnight.

Morethanaperformance,GabingSining was a showcase of talent, tradition and beauty, a night to cherish the creative heart and soul of IITians. It was a vivid demonstration of how, despite our diverse backgrounds, we can unite to create something beautiful and memorable

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

Yōkoso! “Ikigai Central Festival” or Ikifest 2024, the most awaited festival is now open and ready for all the anime fansoutthere!

“Ikigai”isaJapanesetermthatcombines “iki” which means “to live” and “gai” which means “reason”, surely encapsulates the event as one of the mainreasonstogo Thisthree-dayevent, from March 14 to March 16, 2024, filled withbooths,games,andprizeswillsurely fillone’sotakuheart

Minna, get your costumes and wallets andventureintotherealmsofIkifest!

The festival, which started in a hot, humid afternoon, gathered a crowd of excited attendees Tickets in hand, they filed into the University gymnasium for anAsianpopcultureextravaganza

The gym was flooded with booths that offeredawidearrayofmerchinspiredby famous anime series like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece, to name a few

For fellow gaming enthusiasts, a variety of stalls also offered eye-catching merch frommultiplevideogametitles

Amidst the buzz, cosplayers roam around the gym with meticulously crafted costumes and effortlessly embodying the personalities of their fictionalcounterparts,drawingcrowdsof students to eagerly snap photos with them

The festival also embraces other communities, including K-pop enthusiasts

Alongside the abundance of K-pop merchandise, attendees were treated to dynamic and vibrant K-pop dance covers performed by various groups such as Aries Entertainment, Shooting Stars,XG,andmanymore

Additionally,aspontaneousK-popdance challenge attracted students who eagerly showcased their moves and danced their hearts out to songs from the3rdand4thgenerationsofK-pop.

A humming buzz of cosplays and dances

As the first day comes to a close, attendeesleavewithalastingimpression and memories of the rounds of trivia questions with topics that ranged from Disney classics to Marvel superheroes and characters from famous anime series

Several attendees also performed cosplay of their favorite characters, bringing a sense of completion to the popcon atmosphere. Moreover, each day had its own various presenters who took a slice of life from various Anime and K-pop , bringing the experience to ordinary IITians who rarely encounter suchmasterpieces

Leaving the gymnasium with merchandise in hand and wallets empty. Phones filled with albums of photos with their favorite cosplays, videos of dance performances and selfies with their friends As this year’s edition of Ikifest bids farewell to its attendees, leaving them waiting for more surprises for the daystocome.SayonaraLynxes!

TheOpinion Team

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun, FrenzTimtim,JullieMomo,StephenGuisando

Cartoonby:YzaCuajotor

With a stroke of a pen last October 11, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tookoffEDSADay,theanniversaryofthe 1987 People Power Revolution. While most holidays of the civil year highlight long weekends as commemorations are moved to the following weekday, such gracewasneveraffordedtothePeople Power Anniversary, the day when the MarcosesfellfromMalacañangbythewill oftheFilipinopopulace

TheMarcosadministrationisonitswayto lightenthestainsofthe21-yeardictatorship to the public eye. Bringing down the Feb. 25thholidayisstrikeonetowardseventually erodingthelegacyofEDSA alegacybuilt upon the liberal values of fact-based decisions, pro-people policies, and the Constitutionthatestablishedapost-People PowerPhilippines.

In the 21st century, with increasing animosityandamnesiatothePeoplePower revolution, the rebirth of democracy is slowly being shaken by agents of disinformation, deceit, and dominion, eroding EDSA even on our smartphone screens Forgetfulnessandindifferencestill runstrifeinsocietyandaremanifestedday bydayasMarcossitsinMalacañang,slowly blurringthelinesofhistoryinthisinitialstep offorgettingthatthe25thofFebruaryisnot merely a day of commemoration but also freedomandresistance

Itcomesasnosurprisewhenwhenthethemajority of Filipinos have apparently "forgotten" EDSA or have taken a misinformed or false view of it A recent survey published by GMA News Research found that 654%, or 713 million Filipinos born from 1986 to 2020, have forgotten about EDSA 1. Its roots,aswellasconsequences,liedim

Worse, this move to an anti-EDSA worldview has gonemainstream,withmoreaudiencestuninginto personalitieswhodiminishorevendegradetherole ofEDSAinthenation Formersenatorialaspirantand suspended lawyer Larry Gadon, for example, the personality behind the so-called Bobo meme, has beencomplicitinnumerousactionsofEDSA-denial, calling it a "product of fake news" and "not the real willofFilipinos"

As more people tune into Gadon and other EDSAdenying politicians into platforms such as the Sonshine Media Network Incorporated (SMNI) channels, it becomes more alarming as people slowlyfailtodiscernwhatisfactorfakefromEDSA InanerawhereaSWSsurveyin2022revealedthat 54% of Mindanaoans find it difficult to spot fake news, more and more fall into the engaging bait trapsofsocialmediatrolls,fieryfakenewspeddlers, and sensational television networks towards questioning if the EDSA revolution was even real. Duetothesecircumstances,beyondthescreensof our phones, a new EDSA is unfolding, with factcheckersslowlyawakeningpeopletotherealitiesof People Power However, it lies as a daunting task Rappler, for example, continues to debunk EDSArelateddisinformationallyearround

Ifwedon'tspeakupfromourphonesorstandupin public, we fail to correct both friend, foe, and stranger to the realities that led to a peaceful revolutionthattoppledadictator.Ifweremainsilent in a period where a shameful part of our history is slowly whitewashed, we become complicit to the liesofrealfakenewspeddlersputtingpeoplepower intoitsfinaloblivion

In Cory Aquino's own words during the 1997 Luneta RallyagainsttheRamos-eraCharterChangeprogram, she highlighted that the people will prevail, no matter whatpoliticianswilldotheirworst "Thisiswhyweare here—totellthepeoplewhowanttostayinpower, byMartialLaworCharterChange,nowayandnever again" People came at that time to oppose the Ramos-era proposal for term extensions and fight historical amnesia the forgetfulness that would let the old enemies of democracy ambush it again Today, the adversaries have dealt the first stroke by striking People Power off the calendar, and now charter change is next The battlecry for this year's EDSA activities is "Tuloy ang Laban sa EDSA: Biguin ang Cha-Cha", a conflict fought on peaceful streets and screens but with violent consequences for the futureofFilipinos

Infightingagainstcharterchange,thepeoplebrandish their strength to protect EDSA'S ultimate legacy, the 1987 Constitution, the pro-people, pro-women, proyouth pro-environment, and pro-Filipino charter envisioned by its framers Yet, the constitution also symbolisesdefiancetowardsthosewhoexploitpublic office for personal gain and expense of society and thosewhotakeawaythefreedomsofFilipinosbyfake newstoattainpoliticalandsocialinfluence

EDSA day is a day of rest and memory, a day to cherishthedemocraticrightsbequeathedtousbythe blood of Filipino martyrs under Martial Law, a day to pausefromworkandhonortheworkersstrivingfora freer Philippines, and a day marked in our calendars forchildrentorememberWHYitwasaholidayinthe firstplace.Evenifdisinformation,deceit,anddominion conspire against our country's future, there is hope that Filipinos will always keep EDSA's memory alive For without memory, democracy remains empty, and with an empty democracy, our freedom lies meaninglesswithoutEDSA'slegacy

FearingtheFanofFlames: PullingthePlugonFireSafetyAwareness

JamesMonteza

Proofreadby:StephenGuisando

O a conflagration struck a boarding house in Tibanga while most of the student population was on holiday break during the lengthy Holy Week season. While for some, fires have already been an ongoing phenomenon given the hot weather of Iligan. this is no excuse to put fire safetyoutfromtheconsciousnessofboardersandlandlordsasthewarmseasonapproaches.

The worry increases as the apparent all-day absence of boarders from their residences during most of the day, either staying at the University’s airconditioned avenues or at the multitude of cafes, one could wonder how are boardinghouses kept safe during this increasingly-warmer season? How can we ensure that fire safety goes beyond the mandated drills? How can we stay safe and confident whenthethingsinourtemporaryresidencesareprotectedfrom“nature’sgreatestthief?”

As a boarder, one of the most useful appliances in an IITian life is extension wires- making the limited availability of outlets in a landlord’s home a disposable inconvenience Yet, beginning with the conflagration and explosionneartheproposedUniversity Ampitheater construction site, whose smoke and shockwaves shook the plenary hall of SICLAB 2024: the wakeupsirenforFirePreventionMonth justsounded.March,withitsheatwaves and burgeoning winds, marks the beginning of firey season in the Philippines, where household and institutionalconflagrationratesseemto soar.

Last year, around the end of the fire prevention season, Burgon Boarding HouseinJ.OrbeStreet,Tibangacaught ablaze, in the middle of preparing on a household occassion. The culpritelectrical wiring and padded curtains blockingoutaninsulator’sway.

A seeming crack from the electric fan’s antiquatedwiringcostitsowneraroom forsixmonths,andhavingnoelectricity (a boarders’ greatest nightmare after thelossofInternetconnection)seemed tobeextrainconveniences

However,inthetearyeyes,thegreatest threat was the loss of belongings, revenue,andsecurityforbothhisfamily andboardersthemselves.

Fires in the MSU-IIT area are virtually common, with a boardinghouse beyond the reaches of Petron Gas Station in San Miguel threatening the residencesandbelongingsofmorethan fiftyboardersinlate2022.

Paradoxically, when students fear that a thief may steal their laptop, DSLR or phones left in their temporary residences and transient homes, a greater threat arises that fire consume theirbelongingsorevencauseinjuryto themselvesortheirboardmates.

Beingafiresurvivorbeforerelocatingto Iligan, I have never thought that people would still remain oblivious to the fact that fire hazards are something to be mitigated

Having visited many boardinghouses, it remains a surprise to me why few residences have a fire extinguisher in theirhallways,howmanyboardersrely on octopus connections just to make their electronics and assignments push throughonthesameday.

How many rice cookers and heaters havebeenrunovertimebeyondtheir fusecapabilities?

Indeed,thelackoffiresafety,asIhave observed is a negligence shared by both landlord and tenant, that fire safety as a shared responsibility should take center stage in the heart ofIITians,bothwithinandoutsidethe boundsoftheUniversity

The fear still grips me everyday from mychildhoodtraumaoflosingallmy books, pets, and belongings from the ever-present threat of a household fire.

Now,inadigitalage,nearthedawnof Fire Prevention Month, I fill up my fortitudetoplugoutallfirehazardsin mylocality.YetIcanneverdoitalone, as we all fear the fan that blows all flames away in an increasingly electrifiedandhazardousera

Let us, then, start to pull out our octopusplugsandkindleanewspirit of fire safety awareness, starting this spark in in our boardinghouses and moving to influence the future of securityonward.

AfairofExperienceandAdvocacy

Tell the guards to open up the gates! The booths have been ready, and the people were set to enjoy this year's Catalyst Carnival:COOOrgFair.TheMSU-IITLawn was transformed into a carnival filled with exciting games, creative photo booths, free food, and lively music. Rows of stalls, colorful posters, and eager members are all set to expand their organization.

Students were given a chance to see the experiences and possibilities the campus offerswhenitcomestoextracurriculars.

The fair promotes different activities and organizations and gives the students a myriad of opportunities to join whichever alignswiththeirinterests

Whether that be in writing articles in publications, competing in tournaments and managing e-sports teams, or even being in a community filled with people whoenjoythesameinterestsasyou

The Council of Organizations goes beyond simply showcasing what the campus has to offer but also shows its different advocacies, goals, and beliefs for everyone tosee

Freshmen were astounded by the energy brought onto the campus by this event. It gaveeveryoneachancetoexperiencewhat campuslifeisatMSU-IIT DereckHerbieto,a first-year Microbiology student, visited the fair several times and expressed his admirationfortheevent

“It is not every day that you get to see the lawn filled with students hanging around It provided an exciting atmosphere coupled with the fact that the booths/stalls providedgreatservicesforthosewhowere interested. How can we forget the free stuff? You can never go wrong with free stuff;itwasgreat,andIhadfun.”

It was more than just a showcase, a carnival, or a fair; it gave experiences that brought together people from all over the university to learn, explore, enjoy, and join theorganizationthatresonateswiththem.

Indeed, this year’s Catalyst Carnival is a reflection of IITians’ influence towards change in their organizational ways See youatthenextfairahead!

MARKMACARAYA

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun

Frenz Timtim Stephen Guisando

Photos by: Sean Jiz de Ortega

������������ ������������ ������������ ���������� �������������� ������ ������������ ������ ������������ ���������������� ���� �������������� ������������ �������������� from CSM during the 54th Commencement Exercises held in the University Gymnasium last February 2, 2024.

Among the CSM graduates are 1 magna cum laude and 3 cum laude awardees, as well as a cartoonist from Ad Infinitum.

BS Physics and magna cum laude graduate Fathma Aliah Mutia led the CSM undergraduates as having the highest general weighted average. Over 300 graduates attended the event, with 29 new MS and PhD holders from CSM

The event was also graced with multiple personalities from the college, with Professor Cesar Demayo being the Chancellor’s mace bearer and Dean Jan Mickelle Maratas announcing the graduates and their respective awards

In his welcome address, Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan encouraged graduates that their education is not for themselves but is also to serve the community and an opportunity to make truthful and informed decisions in their future careers. “What you do not do with your education matters as much as what you do with it,” he emphasized

He also acknowledged the contribution of past chancellors and institute administrators to the success of the University and its alumni, including former Chancellors Sukarno Tanggol, who was recently conferred with the professor emeritus title, and Dr Marcelo Salazar, who served as the event’s commencement speaker Dr Marcelo Salazar stressed the importance of being the best in their respective fields “Dear Graduates, I would like to congratulate you for finishing a degree in IIT

“Continue to be excellent achievers as you venture to whatever career you have after IIT and aspire to be the best version of yourself,” he added.

Salazar continued on emphasizing the said statement as the key takeaway of his speech, stating “If you have difficulty retaining anything that I say, that is the takeaway for you all Be the best version of yourselves ”

Dr Salazar also mentioned insights on his experiences working for 50 years in the MSU system, appreciating the value of time and moral standpoints for today’s graduates “Right now, your parents and guests deserve to be very happy For a moment, let us set aside our thoughts for tomorrow and beyond The past is a library, the future is a prophecy, but the present is reality ”

He ended his address by encouraging graduates to supplement faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, and steadfastness, leading to love

JAMESMONTEZA

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim, Stephen Guisando

Photos by: MIles Llagas, Mark Villondo

ChemDeptProfwinstwoawardsat prestigiousconference

GielordBalolao

Proofreadby: StephenGuisando Photocourtesy:MarkTristanQuimque

Dr. Mark Tristan Quimque, a professor from the Department of Chemistry, bagged the Irene Villaseñor-KKP Best Graduate Student in Chemistry Award and won as Best Oral Presenter during the Chemistry Graduate Student Conference (CHEM-GSC 2024) held today, February 15, 2024 at De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila Campus.

The event was held by the Kapisanang Kimika Ng Pilipinas (KKP).

KKP hosted the event in partnership with DLSU’s Chemistry Department and the DLSU Instrumentation Facility. Moreover, the said conference also commemorates Chemistry Week, held between February 12-15 each year.

Dr. Quimque has recently finished his PhD from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), graduating with his dissertation titled, “Synthetic and Computational Approaches for Drug Discovery”, which was cited for the award.

Currently, Dr. Quimque heads the Drug Design and Development Related Research Laboratory (DDDRR) in MSU-IIT's Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM).

IITgains22newRMicros,PabiranatTop1

JamesMonteza|PT

Twenty-two (22) BS Biology (Microbiology) graduates passed the Certification Examination for Registered Microbiologists (RMicro) conducted by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) last January 20-21, 2024.

Four (4) IITians also garnered the top spots in the said examination, namely Kim Bryan Pabiran (Top 1), Bryle Dale Maano (Top 5), Crizel Jess Caermare and Fatima Aiza Majad (Top 6), respectively. Congratulations, IITian RMicros!

MSU-IIT,PNRIforgepartnershipfor R&D,Capacity-building

VinceEmano

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

In a significant stride towards research and fostering nuclear education, a Memorandum of Signing (MOU) was signed between Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) at the Office of the Chancellor yesterday, March 1, 2024, which were represented by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise Prof. Ephrime Metillo and PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Ann Samson.

A research conference followed the MOU signing which was attended by students and faculty of the CSM Department of Physics, who are expected to benefit from this partnership.

PNRI is under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), mandated by the government to ensure the safe and peaceful utilization of nuclear science and technology across the country. Thus, the collaborative affiliation with the university serves as an avenue for students, providing solid foundation and support for academic pursuits in related fields and thesis projects.

This partnership heightened significance with the forthcoming research week, signaling a united effort to nurture research excellence, especially in Mindanao. Such initiatives hold promise as ventures to address pressing issues and pioneer innovative solutions to challenges in energy production, research opportunities, and nuclear awareness in Iligan City.

communityunderBiodiversyudad

JamesMonteza|PT

This activity was part of her advocacy, Biodiversyudad, which has been rolling in motion since she ascended the crown, while the kits came from the office of University Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan.

Sanchez underscored the importance of resilience in communities by being prepared for a disaster’s effects. “One of biodiversity’s goals is to help communities become equipped with the unpredictable challenges of a disaster. I hope these kits can aid the families and workers there and that they can contribute to their safety.” She also hinted at future engagements with the communities under the said project. “This is not the last of the [said] extension project; more is yet to come,” she concluded.

KMPholds15thPhysicsBrainTournament, MSU-IITIDSemergesasChampion

FarahDimpas

Proofreadby: StephenGuisando Photoby:MilesLlagas

The 15th Physics Brain Tournament (PBT) 2024 has just been conducted at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Gymnasium by the Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Pisika (KMP) and the Department of Physics on March 9, 2024. This annual competition provides students with the opportunity to hone and exhibit their skills and knowledge in the field of physics.

Participants in the PBT came from the different high schools in Region X. Together, there were 25 teams, each comprising three members. The competition was composed of two rounds: the elimination round and the final round.

After the elimination round, a participant from Central Mindanao University (CMU), Andrea Pauline Alegata, expressed, "It was very nerve-wracking, and we felt pressured since our school won 1st and 2nd place in last year's PBT."

The qualified teams for the championship round were Bukidnon National School of Home Industries (Team G1), Bukidnon State University Secondary School Laboratory (Team F2), Central Mindanao University (Team C1), Liceo de Cagayan-Main Campus (Teams A1 and A2), and MSU-IIT Integrated Development School (IDS) (Teams B1, B3 and B4). CMU led the elimination round with a 152.5 percent score.

The winner of the final round was MSU-IIT Integrated Developmental School (Team B3), with a score of 26 out of 90 points. Renz Sergio T. Pactolin, Alexander J. Claveria, and Geraldine Hillary V. Dormitorio, together with their coach Kim Diate, were the winning team.

"This is my second time joining a physics competition, and I'm very grateful that we were placed as the champion," Mr. Pactolin stated.

The event ended with the awarding, followed by a photo opportunity.

JamesMonteza

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

To optimize the available laboratory facilities in the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS), three laboratory rooms were reopened by Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan and the DBS faculty led by Chairperson Ma. Reina Suzette Madamba— namely General Laboratory 2, Room 202, and the Molecular Biology Laboratory.

General Lab 2 is designated for use as an laboratory for Microbiology subjects, while Room 202 is an instruction laboratory for both undergraduate and graduate subjects. Moreover, the Molecular Biology Lab shall be allocated for Cell and Molecular Biology and other related coursework. All three labs will prove valuable in the conduct of research activities, especially for students’ thesis work.

Accompanying Chancellor Ditucalan in the reopening were Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Gaudencio Petalcorin Jr. and Vice Chancellor for International Affairs Joey Genevieve Martinez.

In an interview with Ad Infinitum, Prof. Madamba appealed to the students to use the laboratory rooms carefully to last longer, highlighting that should there be damage to the rooms, students will be the first to suffer its consequences. “I call upon all of you to use the laboratory carefully and responsibly so that more students can further enjoy our laboratory facilities in the future."

In the reopening, Prof. Madamba also presented the accomplishments of the Department of Biological Sciences, which include several research publications by DBS faculty and students.

In another statement, CSM Assistant Dean Carlo Moneva hopes that the renovated rooms will not only benefit students' academic progress but also all DBS constituents. “[T]his development will provide a conducive teaching and learning environment to everyone,” he said.

Furthermore, in a post via his official Facebook page, Chancellor Ditucalan noted that renovating the biology labs aligns with MSUIIT's commitment to enhancing its facilities that contribute to improving learning spaces for both student and faculty use. "May the newly renovated labs provide a more effective and inspiring platform for discovery and education."

Chancellor Ditucalan also emphasized that the University is addressing its current needs in improving physical infrastructure towards campus development.

DemaciasweepsallEsportstitles forCSMDays2024

JamesMonteza,KharlTayco

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando

PhotoCourtesyof:CSM-ECLivestream

Demacia (AnBDV) bags all the gold medals for this year’s CSM Days Esports tournaments, in an impressive run in both MLBB, Valorant and DOTA 2 events. The Mobile Legends- Bang Bang (MLBB) ESports Team from Animal Biology and Biodiversity brings home the cup for the 2024 CSM Days Mobile Legends: Bang Bang finals, as they toppled SMASCHEM’s defense and push through the final rounds with a 3-1 score on a best-of-3 series

After taking the series win at 2-0 against Shadow Isles(SMASChem), Demacia (AnBdv)hailed as the Grand Champions in the Valorant League on Valentine's Day

With Demacia's domination in game, making Shadow Isles hard to gain the momentum, they snatch the clean record of winning and clinch the victory of the game.

Shurima(MarPhy) initially stunned the aggressive Demacia (AnBdv) with a win on Game 1, however, the well known tournament frontrunner came back strong during the remaining finals games earlier, Feb 15, 2024, resulting in Demacia's victory over the series with a 2-1 win.

Shurima starts with a slow pace, entering the first series of the game and suffers with a three thousand gold deficit, making them hard to set up plays, but Shurima flaunted maturity and sneaks past from Demacia's tactics, making them to switch up the momentum and takes the first series.

A battle of wits showcased on the second match , but Demacia served domination in the game, making Shurima struggle to snatch the series at game 2 this noon. Finally, the final nail in the coffin was shut for these great desert pharaohs as a win in Game 3 pushed Demacia higher in the ranks, winning 3 of the CSM Days eSports events.

CrowningChampions:DemaciaDominates ChessTournamentwithStrategicBrilliance

In the strategic battle to secure their base through mental prowess, the Chess Tournament has reached its endgame. Peirre Isaac Charly Braza of Team Demacia (AnBDV) claimed victory as the men’s champion, while Vyne Malou Padayhag, also representing Team Demacia, successfully emerged as the women’s champion.

In the men's category, the tension peaked as Demacia finally clashed against Shurima (MarPhy) on the board, executing powerful maneuvers and placement of chess pieces.

Meanwhile, Demacia competed against Zaun (MicroBot) in the women’s finals until the player sought an opportunity to corner the opponent’s king. Remarkably, both men’s and women’s champions secured a flawless record of three wins and zero losses.

Amidst the intense close contested matches, every tactic and move from subtle to sacrificial, brilliance enabled champions to dominate each game with finesse and flair.

WalidOmar Proofreadby:StephenGuisando|Photoby:SeanJizdeOrtega

Badminton finals in the three different categories: mixed doubles and singles for men, and women, has reached its end with Shadow Isles hitting the top spot for women category and Zaun being the conqueror for the two remaining categories both sweeping the entire rounds with 3 undefeated wins in both Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles.

For men's, Zaun got the comeback with 3 wins and 0 losses which was then followed by Shurima with 2 wins and 2 loses. Demacia claimed the 3rd spot with 1 win and 2 losses and Shadow Isles having 0 wins and 2 losses.

Lastly, for mixed, Zaun still got the highest number of wins which is 3 to be followed by Shadow Isles having 2 wins and 2 loses, Demacia with 1 win and 2 loses and Shurima with 0 wins and 2 losses.

In the women's category, the Shadow Isles got 3 wins and 0 losses Zaun comes next with 2 wins and 1 loss, Shurima with 1 win and 2 losses, and Demacia with 0 wins and 2 Losses

Congratulations to each team's representatives as they really stood before their team and fought with pride and honor!

ShadowIslesgetsWomen’sVolleyballGold, ShurimabeatsZaunasMen’sChampions

JamesMonteza

Proofreadby:AaqilahMangarun,StephenGuisando|Photoby:SeanJizdeOrtega

Shadow Isles (SmasChem) brought home the Women’s Volleyball title after defeating twice-to-beat tournament frontrunners Zaun (MicroBot) in Game 2 of the CSM Days Volleyball Finals last Febrary 15, 2024, winning two sets in a best-of-three challenge.

Shurima (MarPhy) meanwhile, captured this year’s Mens’ CSM Days Volleyball trophy, snatching a chance from Zaun (MicroBot), who grueled for a finals spot in the previous late-night semis. Meanwhile, in an early-morning match, Shurima captured the title in 3 sets, with the deciding set being won at 13-15

It can also be recalled that before breaching to the grand finals, Zaun and Demacia faced each other to gain a slot for the finals in last night's semifinals game. The Zaun Men's Volleyball team later proceeded to the finals, and team Shurima later claimed this year's CSM days Men's Volleyball Championship.