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DIGITS

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DIGITS

editorial board

ADVISER

Engr. Joshua Marvin Noval

Engr. Tanya Osorio, PECE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kmberly Shyn A. Cabardo

ASSOCIATE CHIEF EDITOR

Christian Paul G. Abalos

MANAGING EDITOR

Angelie B. Patriarca

CIRCULATION EDITOR

Precious Kaye Pabalay

departmental head

FEATURE EDITOR

Franz Relyn B. Francisco

NEWS EDITOR

Alexa A. Puebla

OPINION EDITOR

Kyle Jeoffer Z. Victorio

SPORTS EDITOR

John Philip B. Mendoza

HEAD CARTOONIST

Ezra Luyke M. Bernales

HEAD COPY READER

Syra Angel J. Baruc

HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST

Jirah Joy L. Umangay

HEAD VIDEOGRAPHER

Kent F. Pajac

LAYOUT DIRECTOR

Rozelle Jane L. Catanio

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Edrian M. Samperoy

editor’s note

In this 1st semestral issue of Blueprint, we venture into the numeric narrative that defines more than just the calculations scribbled in our notebooks or the binary sequences behind our codes. Digits chronicles the academic rhythm of engineering students — the sleepless nights, breakthrough innovations, and evolving ambitions that power the College of Engineering.

This issue does not merely dwell on the technical rigors of our field. It expands the lens, zooming into the growing presence of technopreneurship — where ideas transcend theories and become ventures, where engineers are not only builders but also creators of solutions with market impact. Through stories, features, and in-depth reflections, we map the digital footprints of students who dare to turn concepts into capital, innovation into influence.

As we move through another academic year, may this collection of narratives, numbers, and new perspectives serve as both a mirror and a map — reflecting our growth and guiding our way forward. Because in the end, Digits is not just about numbers. It’s about value — the kind we engineer every day.

publication staff

FEATURE DEPARTMENT

Katriel Abigail T. Sumugat

Christian Paul G. Abalos

Angel Grace Vallejos

Earven T. Faulve

NEWS DEPARTMENT

Clarence John D. Boquite

Shania Krizl S. Cabasan

Khristina O. Montilla

Angelie B. Patriarca

Arjelyn M. Acain

OPINION DEPARTMENT

Kent Joshua P. Maguan

Aaron Mathew Lo

SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Precious Kaye Pabalay

Kerven Jay B. Ensaray

Jocie Maye G. Remata

Jojie Maye G. Remata

Aileen G. Sebios

CARTOONIST DEPARTMENT

Angelica Tricia N. Dela Criz

Christian Mae F. Quimque

Clyde Jewel L. Chavez

Terenz Gleo L. Ortizo

Danhill C. Maganto

Aegyro D. Loquias

Rezia V. Alera

PHOTO DEPARTMENT

Marzille Jean B. Abuzo

Ffrancis Gwn Rosal

John Rolan T. Dimput

Neil Vincent A. Brua

Bianca D. Bognot

BROADCASTING DEPARTMENT

News Reporter

Kyle Cedric D. Narvaez

Alyana Shin D. Suarez

Janine R. Habetacion

Mariane F. Mallorca

Ayesah D. Guiasilon

Shan Jim B. Sopena

Carl Lui O. Nolasca

Technical Assistant

Christian Oliver L. Mozo

Queroben D. Ortiz

LAYOUT DEPARTMENT

Joseph Benedict M. Tauro

Kristine Abegail D. Rojas

Kmberly Shyn A. Cabardo

VIDEO DEPARTMENT

Raymond P. Guinieta

Ysa Diane C. Gaum

Jomar V. Macasero

Eid A. Abdulgani

MODERATORS

Copy Reader

Arianne Jane B. Robles

SocMed Manager

Rhoniesh Jhun Mameng

Shaira Mae G. Desales

Ian Mark M. Anab

REsonationg and ELEctrifying ASTEEGS: REELE 2024 Results Out Now!

KHRISTINA MONTILLA

Aspiring EnzenEErs from Mindanao State University - GSC participated in the recent Electrical Engineering Licensure Examinations ( REELE) 2024. The exam took two (2) days which happened on the 24th and 25th of August, of the same year.

Courtesy of the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC), this year’s examination catered to 3,058 takers and produced 1,655

passers which gained a massive 54.12% national rating. The examinations were held nationwide along the cities of Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.

MSU-GSC garnered a 50.00% passing rate with ten (10) takers and 5 of them made their way to the cut. Featuring them are three (3) first-time takers and seven (7) repeating examiners.

Listed below are the passers of the REELE 2024:

Engr. Condag, Fretzanne S.

Engr. Hulguin, Regin Jan B.

Engr. Dela Cruz, Scott Zendryx E.

Engr. Macasayon, Arman M.

Engr. Mondelo, Allan Ceasar D.

Engr. Scot Dela Cruz

Engr. Budol, Richard P.

The faculty, staff, and the whole institution, are honored and filled with pride for their exceptional brilliance and achievement. The whole H-story is laid to open another chapter of a wonderful feat for our fellow ASTEEGS. Bleeding orange and gold as they lift their banners through the heights.

COE Organizations gain OSA Recognition

During the Student Organizations’ Recognition, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) officially recognized 100 student organizations, consisting of 51 academic and 49 non-academic organizations, from different colleges of Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) for the academic years 2024-2026. The event took place at the University Library AVR on September 25, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

As per university policy (Handbook 5.8.1, p. 42), student organizations can only operate if officially recognized and registered by the Office of Student Affairs and Services.

During the event, the OSA recognized the active student organizations of the College of Engineering (COE). This recognition highlights the important role these organizations play in promoting leadership, technical skills,

and collaboration among engineering students.

The COE organizations that received recognition are the Engineering Student Organization (ESO), Blueprint, Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME), Society of Electrical Engineering Students (SELENS), Engineering Technology Student Organization (ETSO), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE),

Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (JIECEP), and the Organization of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Students (OEECES).

This accreditation marks a significant milestone for the COE organizations, which opens doors to opportunities and brings more engaging activities, educational events, and a strong community to all the Asteegs.

DOST Inaugurates First MEIC Facility in SOCCSKSARGEN: MSU GenSan houses MEIC

With a commitment to innovation and excellence in the local metals and engineering sectors, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) at Mindanao State University-General Santos City on October 3, 2024.

As the first facility in SOCCSKSARGEN and the third to be launched in the country, MEIC aims to meet the demands of Region XII and foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government. The successful establishment of the MEIC Facility, led by the Dean of the College of Engineering himself, Dr Noel S. Gunay, emphasizes that

it is not merely a facility equipped with state-of-the-art machinery but a hub for creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

“Here, we will support DOST Research, Development, and Innovation initiatives, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in our field,” he added.

DOST Secretary Renato

KHRISTINA MONTILLA

U. Solidum also graced the event, highlighting the role of the Metals Engineering and Innovation Center in the four pillars [promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability].

“Naniniwala ako sa kakayahan po ng mga Pilipino, sa ating pagtutulungan at sa pamamagitan ng siyensya at teknolohiya, sa pananaliksik ng MSU Gensan, ang buong Region 12 ay aarangkada,” Solidum announced.

Solidum also calls on everyone in the community to embrace the opportunity and use MEIC to create a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable industry.

Eng. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), emphasized the mandate to provide professional management and technical expertise in training engineers and technicians. This includes support in research and development, technology transfer, testing, quality assurance services, business advisory, and information exchange.

“You are now part of the MIRDC vision, and I hope you can help us extend our services beyond General Santos to the entire Region 12”, Engr. Dizon added.

Moreover, Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, Regional Director of DOST XII, noted that the inauguration marks a significant achievement for DOST, the SOCCSKSARGEN region, and the national mission to advance technological innovation in the Philippines. He emphasized the need to equip institutions like MSU-GSC with tools and resources to enhance engineering capabilities, ultimately boosting local industries and driving economic growth in the metals sector.

The event was graced with

MSU Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi, Undersecretary for DOST Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for DOST Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia, and Executive Director of the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Dr. Enrico C. Paringit.

Furthermore, the Mayor of General Santos City, Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, represented by Shandy Lim, and Congressman Loreto B. Acharon, represented by Hon. City Councilor Odjok Acharon, gave their messages of support for the inaugural. Other notable guests included Engr. Jeremy T. Aguinea, PME, National President of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Engr. Samuel L. Sia, PME, President and General Manager of WINCH Mechanical Innovations and General Construction, Inc., also attended the event to express their support.

Lastly, Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi expressed pride in the said partnership. He also highlighted the plans and commitment to collaborating with local government units and stakeholders for community development.

The establishment of the MEIC at MSU-General Santos City strengthens its role in regional industrial development. Moreover, it marks a new era of collaboration between the academia, private, and government sectors. With the latest facilities and a shared vision for technological advancement, this initiative is expected to elevate the local metals and engineering industries, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth across Mindanao and the broader SOCCSKSARGEN region.

Optimization Complete: MEkanikal’s Excellence at MELE 2025

Committed to its academic excellence and quality education, Mindanao State University General Santos City Campus (MSU-GSC)- College of Engineering (COE) once again proved that they are truly ASTEEGS at the recently concluded Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination (MELE) 2025, conducted on February 17-19, held across testing centers in NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, and Zamboanga.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), this year’s national passing rate is 48.89%, with a total of 6,318 examinees all over the country and 3,089 examinees successfully passing the examination.

MSU-GSC achieved a total of 40 MELE passers out of 54 takers, resulting in a 74.07% overall passing rate in the examination, a 77.08% passing rate for first-takers, where out of 48 takers 37 passed the said examination, and a record of 50.00% passing rate for repeaters, where three out of six repeaters passed.

Engr. Alkhapidz Jabarani a fresh graduate and magna cum laude of batch Naraniag 2024, one of the outstanding first-time takers, expressed his gratitude and pride in passing the MELE.

“I felt a relief when I saw my name on the list, but I couldn’t make myself cry. Mixed emotions, really! It’s one of those moments that you just need to experience for yourself to understand. Though I didn’t make it to the top, I still feel grateful because I think the exam was really hard, to the point that all I could say was, ‘It is what it is,’ after day 1 of the exam,” Engr. Jabarani remarked.

Engineer Jabarani also commended the MSUGSC ME faculty for their dedication to preparing and equipping students to become well-prepared and capable test-takers.

“I really commend the effort of the ME faculty because reviewing felt natural and you can feel na papasa ka talaga sa board exam even if nag self-review ka lang. That’s how effective the ME department is in nurturing their students,” he asserted. “Passing the board examination would not be a question anymore if you graduated under the training and guidance of the MSU-GenSan’s ME faculty. That is one thing that I am proud of as a product of the university,” he added.

On February 24, 2025, PRC officially announced the results and the following is the list of MELE 2025 passers from MSU-GCS:

Engr. Abdullah, Ausan Mantilla

Engr. Abdusalam, Noordin Anito

Engr. Adal, Yusuf Saikol

Engr. Ajalan, Jason Willian Bandigas

Engr. Anulga, Diether Calunod

Engr. Areno, Jimarie Berlanas

Engr. Babila, Princess Mellyn Subade

Engr. Bangay, Aima Singgon

Engr. Barrientos, Rhyze Carl Macahidhid

Engr. Calimbo, Chrismer Paul Hallarsis

Engr. Camoro, June Vincent Badilles

Engr. Candia, Jeanne Camille Suerte

Engr. Dalipe, Ray Ernest Dela Gente

Engr. Dana, Noelle Gwendolyn Guipo

Engr. Declaro, Norbert Jay Vida

Engr. Diaz, Dominic Abellanosa

Engr. Domantay, Brixson Anta

Engr. Embuscado, Bryan Keth Villas

Engr. Escantilla, Greig Ryan Abison

Engr. Flores, Chris John Paul Labrador

Engr. Fortaleza, Danielle Von Angelo Guarnes

Engr. Gubalane, Cris John Rivera

Engr. Ibahay, Charlotte Maeven Elegio

Engr. Jabarani, Alkhapidz Bolivar

Engr. Llano, Jherome Ignacio

Engr. Loyola, John Albert Huesna

Engr. Lipio, Mitchell Rey Dela Pena

Engr. Lumiares, Kerith Ravine Laguidao

Engr. Marangga, Reynante Jr Cayao

Engr. Martinez, Ryan Michael Siete

Engr. Nicor, Jeric Ryan Batislaong

Engr. Olaer, Raven John Pudadera

Engr. Pagato, Mark Jude Alegria

Engr. Patao, Benladin Lampak

Engr. Pineda, John Vincent Suganob

Engr. Rivas, John Warren Galon

Engr. Romano, June Angelo Bontigao

Engr. Sabado, Jeff Ray Nadong

Engr. Tahir, Al-Tahirin Campomanes

Engr. Uy, Shaina Malinao

This accomplishment is not just a milestone, but a showcase of unending determination and perseverance for these passers and the continued dedication of the university to equipping and supporting its students into achieving greater heights in the field of engineering.

ASTEEGS setting a fiery and blazing night in COE’s Intramurals Victory Party

OCTOBER 25, 2024 — The night delivered a blazing celebration for the College of Engineering as they conquer the Victory Party, reigning supreme in the Intramurals 2024 for the fourth straight time, held at the Mindanao State University - Quadrangle.

The party kicked off with a victory parade carrying the trophy congratulatory remarks, which highlighted the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty, and staff. Followed by the Engineering Students’ Organization (ESO) president speech, Ian Ernest Lopez. He commended the ASTEEGS for their perseverance and resilience in their respective events.

Moreover, the COE Hip-Hop showcased their performance in an intermission piece at the event. Within the emerging excitement through the party, several gimmicks were prepared to entertain the COE crowd the Fashion Show, Kapares ni Marites, Bring Me, and K-pop Random Dance showing how participative the ASTEEGS are.

Furthermore, ESO acknowledged the participants, event heads, officers, and professors who showcased impeccable skills and relentless support which paved the way for victory and retained their spot in the Intramurals 2024. The hardships and late-night practices with their peers all collided into one big piece of a sweet victory for the college.

Upon the final parts of the succeeding event, ASTEEGS joined together to a fancy students’ party that concluded with heartfelt cheers and a collective sense of accomplishment leaving ASTEEGS excited and hungry to strive for future events and celebrations.

MSU-ADS Project TARA kick off: A preparatory initiative for upcoming qualifying exams

NOVEMBER 2, 2024 - The MSU Gensan Association of DOST-SEI Scholars launched their tutoring session, the PROJECT TARA (Tutorial And Review for All) at Barangay Fatima, Apopong, Buayan, Dadiangas South, Calumpang, Labangal, Lamba (Banga), Kablon, Glamang, Banisil, San Jose, New Society and in the municipalities of Polomolok and Alabel. The project proposes the scope of teaching aspiring examinees for their college education and scholarship qualifying exams, which focuses on subjects like Mathematics, Abstract Reasoning, Language, and Science.

PROJECT TARA is a program created by the MSUGSC DOST-SEI scholars. This is a program in line to teach the aspiring students that are taking programs in several colleges and universities and scholarship qualifying exams.

A supportive and encouraging mentor from Project TARA shared her journey as a tutor in this year’s sessions.

“Having the privilege to impart some knowledge to the future ka-Isko, not only in terms of academia but as well as in imparting life lessons we’ve learned as an MSUan is such a blessing to the point na I cannot

put into words how fulfilling it is; to the point na you would not mind how hectic your schedule is, na even if it is holiday or not, you would really put effort na magstudy sa mga ituturo and would give your full attention during the session”, she remarked.

“PROJECT TARA” sessions cover most of the possible qualifying and university exams in our country, particularly the most awaited MSU-SASE which will partake on the 1st of December, 2024, and one of the largest and most sought-after scholarship examinations in the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology - Science

Education Institute (DOSTSEI) Undergraduate Qualifying Examination. This program enlightens aspiring students on an advanced learning basis that will help their academic endeavors to acquire their skills to gain intellectual and academic growth.

Project TARA will resume its tutoring sessions in the coming weeks with active participation from local communities. The association plans to expand its support by reaching additional selected communities and providing more students with access to valuable academic assistance.

Ambia nakuha ang ikatlong pwesto sa Electronics Technician Licensure Exam

Nakamit ni Yusra Hana M. Ambia mula sa Mindanao State University General Santos City ang ikatlong pwesto sa 2024 Electronics Technician (ECT) Licensure Exam at nakakuha ng 90 porsiyentong marka.

Ito’y batay sa inilabas na resulta ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) sa katatapos na pagsusulit at nakakuha ng 100% overall passing rate ang MSU-GSC. Samantala, nakakuha naman ng 60% na kabuuang passing

rate ang unibersidad sa Electronics Engineering (ECE) Licensure Exam. Nagtapos bilang Magna Cum Laude si Ambia sa kursong Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) noong nakaraang taon, Batch Lahimsug.

Sa kabuuan, umabot sa 1,126 sa 1,591 ang pumasa sa Electronics Technician (ECT) Licensure Exam, ayon sa PRC.

Nagsilbing inspirasyon sa mga mag-aaral ng College of Engineering (COE) ang tagumpay na nakamit ni Ambia, na nagpapakita ng kahusayan ng mga produkto ng unibersidad.

IECEP Recognizes Dr. Mishell D. Lawas Among

10 Most Outsanding Professionals 2024

November 29, 2024The College of Engineering (COE) of Mindanao State University- GSC extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Mishell D. Lawas for being recognized as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Professionals for 2024 by the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines,

Inc. (IECEP). The awarding ceremony was held in Pampanga, Philippines, as part of the 74th IECEP Annual General Membership Meeting.

Dr. Lawas, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of MSU-GSC, was honored as one of the recipients of

the prestigious award in recognition of her exemplary leadership, groundbreaking contributions to Electronics Engineering, and her unwavering commitment to advancing professional excellence and community development.

ARJELYN ACAIN
ARJELYN ACAIN

Bato-batong bintang sa Burgis

Mainit ang usap usapan ng maraming MSUan sa social media ang pagdami ng populasyon ng mga tinaguriang “bourgeois”, or burgis sa State Universities, tulad ng MSU. Talamak sa mga ito ang tila paninisi ng iilang mga estudyante sa burgis kung bakit maraming mahihirap ang nawawalan ng oportunidad na makapag-aral dito. Subalit, ang mga sentimiyentong ito ay hudyat pagkabulag sa katotohanan dahil sa galit at nagpapakita lamang ng isang panig ng isyu.

KYLE JEOFFER VICTORIO
DANHILL

Sa kahulugan, ang salitang “bourgeois” ay tumutukoy sa mga pamilyang hindi gaanong mahirap, o mayaman. Subalit, kung ibabase sa kanilang sanaysay, naging generalized ang kahulugan nito – mga taong hindi salat sa pera o yaman. Hinaing nila, kayang mag-aral ng mga burgis sa mga prestihiyosong paaralan.

Subalit, lingid sa kanilang kaisipan na may mga estudyante pa ring nagsusumikap na makapag-aral, kahit na maituturing silang middle class. Maraming may mga sariling transportasyon na nabubuhay pa rin sa pastil kung tanghalian. May mga kayang gumastos sa boarding house na nahihirapan pang magbayad sa tiyak na oras. May kaya man kung ituring, ngunit marami pa ring nasa middle class ang hindi kayang magbayad ng mahal na matrikula sa kolehiyo.

Sandigan nga ng mga estudyanteng nasa laylayan ang SU’s para sa mas abot-kayang edukasyon. Ngunit, hindi kagagawan ng mga burgis ang hindi nito pagkakamit ng iilan. Tinayo ang State Universities upang magbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon para sa lahat, kahit na sa mga salat sa pera. Subalit, tungkulin rin ng mga pagsusulit tulad ng SASE na matukoy kung sino ang mga karapat-dapat dito. At kapag di pinagsikapan, pasensyahan na lang. Hindi rin kasalanan ng mga burgis ang mga bitak bitak sa sistemang nagbibigay-daan sa pag abuso ng mga may kaya, o mayayaman. Sa totoong senaryo, mataas ang posibilidad ng mga estudyanteng nakapasok lamang sa

“back door”, at karapat-dapat man o hindi, ay umaani ng prebelihiyo na bigay ng SU’s. Marahil sa mga agam agam na ito ay napunta sa mga burgis ang galit ng mga estudyante, ngunit ang problemang ito ay repleksyon sa mismong sistema, at hindi ng mga burgis.

At hindi rin ibig sabihing makatuwiran ang palagay nilang “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”, sapagkat kung hindi rin lang matibay ang pundasyon ng pamamalakad ng pamantasan, aabusuhin at aabusuhin din nila ito, gustuhin man nila o hindi.

Ginawa ang state universities upang maging malaking tulong para sa mga walang kaya. Malaking dagok sa mga hindi mapalad ang mawalan ng oportunidad na makapagaral.

Ngunit, ang presensya ng mga burgis ay hindi dahilan nito, at ang mga sentimiyentong nagpapakita ay hindi lubos na makatuwiran. Ang tila, pagpapatalsik nila rito ay nagpapakita lamang ng pagkait ng karapatan ng isang taong makapagkamit ng kalidad na edukasyon.

Bagkus, isa-alang alang sana ng karamihan ang totoong esensya ng mga eskwelahan kagaya ng MSU – ang makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon para sa lahat. At kung may sira nga ang sistema, ito ay trabaho na ng mga nangangasiwa nito at siguraduhing walang kaso ng pang-aabuso ang pwedeng dumulas sa bitak nito. Ang kalidad na edukasyon ay para sa lahat, mahirap man o mayaman. Subalit ang “slots” ay pinag-aagawan ng kung sino ang mas karapat-dapat. Hindi ang kung sino ang mas nakaaangat.

A Leader not for Clout

“With great power comes great responsibility”, a phrase that resonates well with the importance of good governance. Thus, it is also the duty of any governing body to carry the burden of ensuring that this power is not placed in the hands of individuals who won’t honor the sanctity of such a role. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good sport in this regard. Where there is a system, the dark tendrils of untasteful behavior are sure to slither through the cracks.

This phenomenon is not limited to the highest forms of governance. More localized levels of systematic power, like student governments, are also susceptible to the same challenges. Despite its foundations being rooted in noble principles, some struggle with poor decision making, a lack of accountability, and inexperience, which in turn hinders their ability to properly serve the overall student body. And it’s no secret that in some cases, student leaders only take up the job only to fatten their own portfolios without putting in the actual work.

An inducted student leader must uphold their duty - serving the people and prioritizing the organization’s goal are imperative in maintaining order within the population. They must be an inspiration to their fellows, setting the standard for what is considered to be proper. Accountability also plays a key role in the credibility of an administration, being able to own up to mistakes and addressing their own lapses in judgement. A good student leader must possess the necessary skills in order to fulfill their roles. Most importantly, they must always have the interests of the people in mind. After all, a leader without anybody to serve is no leader at all.

If the opposite were to be the case, then a lot of things can go very wrong, very quickly. A weak student authority risks harming the effectiveness of its operations. Furthermore, an ineffective set of

leaders will earn the dissatisfaction and criticism of the people, who’s expect nothing less of honorable. For example, projecting your own authority in order to threaten or belittle members of a fellow organization under the same banner will generally give a bad image. Another example is not being able to care and provide for those who represent the community. It would be disappointing to see that the ones carrying the banner of your institution don’t receive adequate support or resources to effectively carry out their tasks.

No matter how skilled or talented an individual may be, if they cannot unite under a common cause that prioritizes the well-being of the majority, they stand alone and divided against an adversary much larger than themselves. This does not propel a community forward, but rather drags it a couple of steps back. Student leaders act as the mind that enables a community to work harmoniously with itself, and a lack of coordination on their part affects everybody else.

Look further than our own national government to paint the image. Take the myriad of seemingly unqualified celebrities and influencers running for office for the 2025 elections, for example. One can only assume their actions, but what about their inexperience? Furthermore, what of the Vice President’s lack of accountability for her multiple shady actions? Her misuse of the county’s funds could

have been used for the country’s ongoing struggle with infrastructure and economy. If they aren’t holding office for power, they’re turning the Philippines’ coffers into their own personal playpen.

It cannot be emphasized enough how important good governance is in a society. Learning from the successes and mistakes of larger government bodies, a

student government has the responsibility of nurturing both the people they serve, but themselves as well. Their position is not a mere symbol of prestige, but an honor that one carries for the benefit of everybody. It is an effort that requires a level of passion and dedication that exceeds the status quo. A student leader’s role isn’t a stage, it’s a responsibility.

ANGELICA DELA CRUZ

Inside Noel's Diary: His

First Term Pages of

Deanship

They say that leaders set the standards based on the standards they set for themselves. That is if a person is wise enough to set the standards for the best of his affiliations. But, there is someone in the old walls of H-Building who made his personality the leader that set the standards most overlooked.

Dr. Noel Gunay has roamed the H-Building since he was still a college student at this institution.

Now, his steps inside the college are far more significant and vital for the foundations of the building to stay integrated. He now wears the suit of the Dean of the college that was tailored from 2021 for a term up until the present for his second term.

However, many cannot seem to scratch the surface of Dr. Gunay’s deanship which hides a far more fascinating and outstanding feats of pages inside his deanship diary. What is it that many do not see that truly encapsulates him as a dean? Now’s the time to turn his diary pages one by one.

One of the most overlooked feats of Dr. Gunay as dean is his pioneering work of Research and Development funding from outside

institutions for the college. He is the first to implement the initiative to expand the building off of an unfit box from a limited incentive from the university. With this, he delivered items for the college that had long left half-full to things that just were not there before.

Dr. Gunay’s initiative gave the college about 35 million that he spent on facilities to further improve the status quo of the college. Some of these were ICEBOX, the first Technology Business Incubator of Region 12, and the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center. He also gave the college a million-worth high-performance computer that aids the students in faster Artificial Intelligence modeling projects.

“Number one na trabaho ng dean is to look for funds. This building is dilapidated na pero we looked

CHRISTIAN PAUL ABALOS

for funds para maging globally competitive [ang college.]” Dr. Noel Gunay on the necessity to gather funds for quality improvement of the H-Building.

Other than the added facilities, Dr. Gunay also decluttered a few spaces in the building and replaced them with study and working spaces for the students and faculty members as well. One of which is the study space under the rooftop stairs with accompanied passive lighting which is mainly for study and work. Also, more equipment was placed in the laboratories for metal fabrications like a plasma cutter, hydraulic shearing machine and press brake, and vertical hoist. Dr. Gunay hopes that the added equipment wil alleviate the hindrances in conducting theses like spending on machine shops when involved in metal fabrications.

To put it plainly, Dr. Gunay is a master of many — finances were found and allocated, time was made as gold as possible, and the projects were surely put to good use. To add to his bag of treats, most of his projects had him assigned the role of the focal person and the project leader, all whilst being the dean of the college at the same time. When talks involve productivity, count Dr. Gunay in for a converse.

Another page of his diary is his will to be a blueprint for his fellow faculty members. Dr. Gunay as the pioneer for Research and Development funding, urged his co-faculties to take part in the same initiative to better fund the college for his goal of Continuous Quality Improvement. To him, the college has nowhere to go but up off of the stagnant waters the building is currently floating on.

Of course, Dr. Gunay is not just an example to his fellow faculty members, he is also a tangible example for the students when in

talks of leadership. In his words, “Leaders are managers.” Looking at Dr. Gunay through a mirror, you will see that he reflects the person who radiates leadership accompanied by his management skills in many aspects. His time, fiscal, human resource, project, and asset management are written all over him and students should read him like a book.

On the objective note, a leader in his standard must be a visionary, director, imprint continuous quality improvement, straightforward, critical thinker, and fluid in communication. He says that a leader hesitates to use a thousand words when he can use a hundred, or better, ten. A leader then is the amalgamation of textbook qualities and firm management skills.

Nearing the end pages of his diary, Dr. Gunay only wants his legacy to be centered around the continuous improvement of the quality of education the college offers the students. He envisions the college to be affiliated with the Washington Accord — a recognition of the academic qualifications for engineering degrees that equate to international standards. He goals to reach this plateau in minimizing quality control that he aims to achieve from his continuous quality improvement medium.

Many might not hear the loud pages of Dr. Gunay’s diary, but it is irresistible to not see his contributions to firming the foundations of H-Building. From his initiatives to being an example to many to his persistence to expand from an unfit box, Dr. Gunay is now being crafted as a definition of how a dean has to be. The first chapters of his deanship might have ended, but his diary has so much more to imprint along his journey toward his second term.

Once more, I have set foot on this promising land

Where the earth is gleaming so bright

Tested by those who have come before

Now I try my spark timed how I divine.

There, I walked the road

Bare are my soles synapsed with the ground

And every step I take, distanced are with my nails

Locked in my arms is the law of the trail.

I went by the rules

Played along the books

Mind did not mind the perils of the path

Sewn tight the passion and pride

Salt streams inked with red

And many miles of tricks ahead

Should I continue the stride?

Or should I halt, hand sheets than ride?

In this twisting turns of lost

Everything comes at a cost

Circles drawn in wooden brew

I chose the path lighter than two

Once teemed with confidence, now swarmed by malignance

Of worries and fears from the path behind.

Yet I continued the ride to meet the glory end

Bright is the luster of what golds lend

Aim high, steps tried, scores scored, lived heights

Like a eusocial insect’s guts squeezed with its life.

The road did twist my fate and luck

I strayed not from the path, yet is against me

Golden luster I crave, bronzed decay they gave

But the likes of me have learned

To conspire exceptions aren’t medals earned

CHRISTIAN PAUL ABALOS

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