What happens when the mighty cat forfeit their glory to tight vines? Wander deep into the curated jungle we initially knew—you’ll be surprised. Two things may confront us as we penetrate: verity and hoax. Will Alab claw their way through, challenge the vines that compel them from the curated images of truth?
Foreword
The jungle whispers its secrets. Are you listening?
Alab traversed the thick jungle foliage, body weak and immunity slowing down their might. The emerald gloom, brought by the dense canopy above, swallowed the sun, allowing only slivers of light to pierce through. Tales sprung even before, and they had been told this jungle was beautiful—lush, teeming with life, a paradise untouched by time. And at first glance, it was. The interplay of the vibrant flowers and twisting vines erupt in beauty, exotic birds painted the sky as they flash their vibrant freedom, and the air buzzed with the symphony of the wild.
But something felt... off.
As they ventured deeper, the illusion unraveled. The trees, mighty and towering, were rotting from within. The flowers, draped in colors, masked the decay beneath them. The greeneries of the moss, the soft ground, hid the bones of creatures long forgotten. And the deeper Alab went, the clearer it became—this jungle wasn’t thriving. It was withering.
Silahis’ December to January issue is rooted deep in the heart of the complex jungle of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), where real stories lurk beneath tangled vines and towering canopies. If the surface of the wild unsettles you, the depths will suffocate you with truths gasping for air—realities waiting, aching, to be breathed in public. Like the whispers of the “Dakilang Silahis,” the gloria one, these truths are not new. Narratives
of progress and prosperity often carry baggage of truth that is so hard to unravel.
We have been met with campus pleas that, despite the vision parading progress, some classrooms still crumble in silence. Ardent students smelling the struggles from dead zones and Wi-Fi dysfunctionalities. And where champions are meant to be honored, some remain hidden beneath the vines, their talents rusted by neglect.
Wake up! The jungle is alive, but it is scathed, treacherous. Its beauty is a façade, its strength a hollow promise. This issue is more than just an exposé; it is an invitation to question, to challenge, and to see beyond the carefully curated images around us. Because in the end, a façade is only as strong as the truth it conceals. And once we recognize that, we can begin to demand something greater—something real.
Dare to look beyond the leaves. To dig past the roots. To uncover the trunks.
Carlo Jay Corpuz DESIGN EDITOR
Carlo Jay Corpuz
CARLO JAY CORPUZ
NEWS
It’s about Time!
MSU-IIT’s 5-year development plan nears final phase
FEATURE
Giving Credit Where It’s Due: The Student Awe-ssistants of MSU-IIT
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5
SPORTS
Benched for too long
COLUMN
Pro Tempore, Pro TemParasols, Pro TemProblem?
6
8
EDITORIAL
Band-Aids on Cancer: How Death Penalty Cannot Solve Corruption
SCI-TECH
Bandwidth Bottleneck: MSU-IIT’s Struggle to Stay Connected
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It’s about Time!
MSU-IIT’s 5-year development plan nears final phase
AFNAN ABUBACAR & JAN ALLEN MAR RESPICIO
Are we hitting the deadline?
With only two years left before the projected completion, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology’s (MSU-IIT) five-year strategic plan, launched in 2022, is estimated to be 70% complete, Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan, JD, LLM, revealed.
“While several infrastructures and rehabilitations are nearing completion, like the tap-and-go university entrance and student union building, funding limitations and delays in project processes [have] limited the university’s expansion,” the chancellor shared.
On the Rise
Since its inauguration, the university focused on six key pillars: Education, Research and Innovation, Student Support, Public Service, Governance, and Infrastructure. This mandate, spearheaded by Chancellor Ditucalan, along with university officials, secured global recognition and academic achievements.
MSU-IIT remains among the best institutions in the country, recently ranking eighth in the Webometrics, January 2025 edition. It also debuted in the Times World Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, placing third in the Philippines and 1501+ internationally—a feat that places it on the map of competitive global institutions.
Beyond academics, MSU-IIT has continuously established itself as an exemplary research institute. “In 2022, it
was our all-time high in the entire history of the university, and we surpassed that in 2023, and I am happy to note that we’ve surpassed again the 2023 for last year,” shared Chancellor Ditucalan.
While these achievements signal progress, they pose a challenge: Can MSU-IIT sustain its rise?
Investing in Infrastructure and Facilities
At its pivotal point, the five-year development plan is now placing a stronger emphasis on the facilities to support its growing academic and research activities. “Connected kasi doon [facilities] ang student services mo, your learning experience will really depend on our facilities,” Chancellor Ditucalan stated.
In line with this initiative, the university has secured ₱45 million for the new College of Economics, Business and Accountancy (CEBA) building, allocated ₱25 million for the modernization of classrooms in the College of Computer Studies (CCS), and procured two fundings for the new College of Health Sciences (CHS) building. Other colleges and libraries are also undergoing massive rehabilitation efforts to make learning areas more conducive to students.
Beyond physical development, the university is also conducting a review of academic programs across the MSU system to align with institutional goals.
While many projects have been successfully executed, with funding constraints as a key limiting factor, difficult compromises were made.
“In the case of our student center, we really wanted a huge learning commons, but you know these are things beyond our control. You have to work on the budget given to you by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” he explained.
Apart from budget allocation, the program of works and the procurement process have also caused delays. To monitor progress, the university collaborates with the Office of Monitoring and Evaluation (OME) and the Office of Institutional Planning and Development Services (OIPDS) through annual key performance indicators (KPIs).
Looking Ahead
As MSU-IIT nears the final stage of its strategic plan, efforts are being made to align expansions and academic advancements to better university experience. Chancellor Ditucalan called on IITians to play an active role in maintaining these facilities. “We really need their help to protect yung mga infrastructures natin, we need to preserve them,” he urged.
While the university has made strides in academic and global recognition, the university stands at a critical moment. The real test lies not just in completing projects but in ensuring that they enhance the student experience and strengthen the university’s academic core. The coming years will define how well MSU-IIT can sustain its prominence and solidify its trajectory toward realizing its vision as a world-class institution.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due:
The Student Awe-ssistants of MSU-IIT
If the desks at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) could talk, they’d tell you stories—of trying, losing, winning, and, on some days, just showing up.
Long before campus hallways buzz with footsteps, student assistants (SAs) are already at their desks sorting papers, answering emails, organizing schedules, and ensuring offices are ready for the day ahead. They are the quiet workforce of the university—masters of balancing academic deadlines with office duties and handling exhaustion with determination.
For many, including Denisse Adrian Ates, a Bachelor of Arts in Filipino student, becoming an SA of the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) was not just a brave choice but a necessity and a step towards their dreams: “Para ma-lessen ang gastos sa akong parents.” Daily expenses and an ever-growing list of bills weigh heavily on students from families who can only pray for a miracle. Some even wonder if their aspirations of obtaining a degree will be dashed as they sit at their desks, thinking about all the expenses they are unsure how to pay, “...and it was my dream na makaprovide for my family.”
However, juggling two worlds of academics and work is a test of endurance. It means rushing from class to the office, switching from taking lecture notes to answering emails from concerned students
and faculty. It means mastering the art of focus—one moment, they’re students reviewing for an exam; the next, they’re employees making things happen. This demands sharp time management skills and constant adjustments of priorities to keep everything from slipping through the cracks. For Ates, this balancing act is a daily reality.
“Usahay kay kapoy jud,” Ates shared. Inevitably, there are moments when the body aches for rest and the weight of responsibility feels too much to carry. Hours that could have been spent unwinding turn into extra shifts, and nights meant for rest are sacrificed for deadlines. Yet, they keep going—because beyond their exhaustion lies a dream too important to abandon. And each long day is just another step toward the future these students refuse to let slip away.
But despite the struggles, some moments make the job worth it. “Satisfying kaayo mag-provide ug student service,” she said with a meaningful smile, proud of her accomplishments because she discovered meaning in these brief, silent moments.
The role has also shaped a good social dynamic, making interactions with professionals a normal part of daily life. Ates, for instance, has found herself working closely with faculty and assisting office heads. This helps her naturally step into spaces where connections and opportunities unfold—experiences many students might never encounter firsthand.
Often working behind the scenes, SAs may go unnoticed, but their impact is undeniable—they are the quiet force that keeps the university running, whether by guiding lost students, managing records, or simply being a reassuring presence on a busy campus. Every day is a test of resilience, teaching them not just how to balance time, energy, and finances, but also how to turn challenges into opportunities and obstacles into lessons. In the end, their degree will be a testament to their grit, adaptability, and the kind of wisdom that no lecture can impart.
“I’m proud of her…,” Ates’ message to her younger self. Being a student assistant changes the way one sees hard work. It teaches resilience. It forces them to grow up faster and to make decisions not just for the present but for the future they are tirelessly building. And while the journey is tough, they hold on to the belief that one day, all the sleepless nights, sacrifices, and quiet struggles will be worth it.
If the desks at MSU-IIT could talk, they would tell the stories of countless Denisses—of weary hands pushing through deadlines, of quiet battles with doubt, and of perseverance carved into every exhausting shift. They will struggle, but they will endure. And one day, they’ll realize that every sacrifice was not just for survival, but for the life they’ve always dreamed of—and the person they were always meant to become.
ERIKA BARRETTO
“[MSU-IIT] wasted four years sa akoang playing years, nalata nalang ko diri. I’m just sad, kana lang and para nako, they’re hypocrites, they even gave us an award, OMAR, last August that was supposed to recognize us, like gi-recognize man diay mi ninyo, then part of recognizing us is giving us opportunities.”
A strong yet sad sentiment echoes within the chambers of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology’s (MSUIIT) sports community—years of waiting, missed opportunities, and athletes left watching from the sidelines. But why? What has kept them from the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) stage for so long?
A Legacy of Excellence
Since time immemorial, the MSU-IIT Cats, formerly MSU-IIT Titans, have long been a force to be reckoned with in collegiate sports, earning numerous accolades in tournaments like the MSU System Athletic Association (SAA), Lanao-Iligan City Tertiary Schools Athletic Association (LICTSAA), Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games, and various invitational events.
In 2015, under the Office of Sports Development (OSD), MSUIIT secured first-place finishes in ultimate frisbee, men’s volleyball, mixed badminton, and mixed table tennis at the Iligan City Tertiary Schools Athletic Association (ICTSAA) Games. They also won the Ultimate Frisbee Collegiate League (UFCL) Championship at Silliman University, placed second in bowling, and finished third in basketball at the Iligan Bay Chamber of Industries (IBCI) Tournaments.
Yet, despite these accolades, one question looms large among student-athletes: Why aren’t we competing in the prestigious MASTS Games?
A Platform for Growth and Recognition
MASTS is a regional organization that unites state universities and colleges (SUCs) across Mindanao. Top-performing athletes from MASTS can advance to the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), a national collegiate sports organization, gaining wider recognition and opportunities to compete at higher levels, potentially leading to professional or international careers.
For the Cats, MASTS is more than just a sports competition; it is a stage for a far bigger opportunity, where the best studentathletes showcase their talent, gain exposure, and test their skills against top-tier competition. It provides a structured, high-stakes environment where athletes can gain regional recognition, unlike invitational tournaments, which often have limited reach.
karatedo, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, softball, table tennis, volleyball, and esports (MLBB, CODM, Valorant). These achievements cement MSU-IIT’s status as a sports powerhouse in Mindanao, inspiring future generations to compete on regional and national stages.
With all these recognitions but continued absence in MASTS, can we truly say that the administration upholds its commitment to holistic student development? Or are we overlooking the potential of our own athletes?
A Pattern of Neglect?
Given MSU-IIT’s reputation as one of the country’s top universities, its absence from MASTS raises questions. When a student-athlete was asked by a friend from another university about why MSU-IIT is not part of MASTS, they struggled to find an answer. It’s a fair question—one that deserves a clear and valid response.
“Siguro ang budget, dayon kuan sab, ga-focus ang [MSUIIT] more on sa [academics]. Mao ra na ang reasons jud na murag nahibaw-an nako,” shared one athlete. “Disappointed jud mi honestly kay katong recent lang na MASTS bitaw kay nag-ask, through chat, akong friend if muapil ba daw ang [MSU-IIT], kay naay mga nakaila sa akoa, ako ra gihapong answer sa ilaha no kay disappointed mi kay nganong wa niapil ang [MSU-IIT] tungod sa budget.”
Another athlete expressed similar concerns, pointing out that badminton hasn’t even been included in invitational tournaments this year.
“I’m gonna speak for my sports lang, we haven’t been joining any invitational tournaments this year. Last year? Usa lang kay kanang di jud proactive ang OSD and daghan kaayong bureaucratic paper things. Siyempre, disappointed, sad, and angry nga because mao man gud ni ang prime namo karon around the ages of 19 to 22. I feel rusty and we feel sad actually nga wa mi kaapil ug tournaments, I don’t know about other sports, but sa amo wala gyud.”
RAY II SANCHEZ, APRIL AVEGUIL
challenges stem from budget allocation and the administrative process of joining MASTS.
“Since I assumed office in 2022, I wanted to take it one step at a time… the MSU System’s membership has influenced our participation in past tournaments, with the MSUSAA being the qualifying round for us to join MASTS… but now, we are working toward officially applying for MASTS as an independent entity. Last year, between November and December, I was asked by Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan to explore the possibility of joining MASTS. This month, I formally initiated communication, although I had previously engaged in a call with a MASTS board member regarding this matter. Currently, we are in active discussions, and I am hopeful that by the second quarter, we will have made significant progress, allowing us to participate this year…
For a university to join MASTS today, it must submit a formal letter of intent, undergo a review process by the MASTS board, and meet financial obligations, including membership fees computed at approximately five pesos per student per semester. MSU-IIT’s potential entry into MASTS requires administrative approval due to these financial commitments.”
Prof. Santillana also noted that former OSD Director Dr. Cesar Miguel explained that MSU-IIT’s previous participation in MASTS was under the MSU System, but changes in MASTS rules allow MSU-IIT to apply as an independent entity, contributing to the delay.
While the administration has now expressed its intent to join MASTS, the question remains—is this effort too little, too late for the athletes who have already lost years of opportunity? Why only now?
When asked about their message to the administration, one of the athletes bluntly said, “I don’t know, I did my part—I asked them na, I followed up, and wala gyud. [MSU-IIT] wasted four years sa akoang playing years, nalata nalang ko diri. I’m just sad, kana lang and para nako, they’re hypocrites, they even gave us an award, OMAR, last August that was supposed to recognize us, like gi-recognize man diay mi ninyo, then part of recognizing us is giving us opportunities.”
“Naa koy nadunggan from our coach nga [Chancellor Ditucalan] is saying dapat competitive daw ang [MSU-IIT] sa sports but recently, nakulangan ang players sa tournaments. When it comes to competitiveness, dapat giuna na sa coach kay sila man gud ang role model para sa athletes to strive hard,” another athlete added.
Is the issue really financial, or is it a matter of priorities?
A Call for Change and Reassessing Priorities
For a university that has built a strong reputation in collegiate sports, earning numerous accolades across various tournaments, our continued absence from MASTS is a glaring contradiction. It’s high time for MSU-IIT to reassess its priorities when it comes to sports development. Ignoring bigstage competition is ignoring a vital aspect of holistic student development.
Our athletes have the talent, the discipline, and the determination to succeed. What they lack is institutional support for MASTS. If funding is the issue, then why are other state universities able to allocate resources for MASTS while we cannot? If bureaucracy isn’t the problem, then why are our athletes faced with bureaucratic challenges instead of being supported in their pursuit of excellence?
Most importantly, why did MSU-IIT only decide to apply now when it has been inactive in MASTS for almost a decade?
The burden of answering these questions should not fall on the athletes who have already given so much for the university. The responsibility now rests with the administration. Will we continue to sit out one of the biggest collegiate sports and literature events in Mindanao, or will we finally give our athletes the platform they deserve?
This is not just about joining MASTS; it’s about institutional commitment to sports. If we truly believe in excellence and leadership, then let’s prove it.
The Cats are more than ready. Is MSU-IIT?
AVEGUIL PAMISA & CHEVAL MAJESON BIWANG
Next Stops:
Museum
of Failure and the Gallery of Grit
COLUMN
It’s that time of the year again.
Studying at Times Higher Education’s (THE) third-best ranked university in the country, although rewarding, often feels like painting on a pre-framed canvas: every brushstroke is scrutinized, every impression is magnified. The road to the finish line is rarely smooth. As the semester closes, it’s time to revisit the places that made the journey worthwhile—reflect on the challenges faced, the victories earned, and the lessons learned along the way: the Museum of Failure and the Gallery of Grit.
The first stop? The Welcome Hall, where planners are still filled with colorcoded schedules and to-do lists that remain untouched. The bright pages capture the optimism of beginnings. Here, ambition soared, group chats buzzed, and failure was a distant thought. But as you walk further, reality takes shape in the Museum of Failure.
Setbacks stand tall, sculpted as testaments of growth. Broken projects and red-marked exam papers are displayed like
Pro Tempore, Pro TemParasols, Pro TemProblem?
JASPER GABRIEL FUENTES
Like roses blooming under the bright rays of the sun, the opening of the parasols across campus once shone a hopeful picture. More than their blood-red flair, they promised shade and space, touted as a solution to our desperate need for student havens—a quick fix to the clamor for places to study, collaborate, and simply be between classes. A year later, many are in tatters, faded, broken; a stark reminder of how shallow solutions crumble in the face of systemic problems.
It was good while it lasted.
It’s melancholic to think these parasols endured for less time than a student’s average sleep cycle. (Okay, maybe my sleep cycle.) It was the third quarter of 2023 when the installation of the parasols was teased to the IITian community. When they were ready
for use, the IITian IG stories were synched: tambay under the shade. I miss sitting beneath them, sipping iced coffees, chatting with friends, and even those caffeine-fueled study sessions… or, ahem, those ‘Smash or Pass’ kinda sessions.
But now, only a few remain. Few stand tall. Most are stubbornly closed, victims of steel corrosion, brutal winds, and relentless rains—unable to blossom, unable to open.
These red cloths and skeletons are what we got after countless qualms, pleading for places to rest, study, and connect. It’s like giving ayudas to combat poverty, and we all know how that ends.
Thankfully, a new building is on the horizon: a student center promising a real solution, creating dedicated space for
masterpieces. Beneath them, sweat-stained captions tell the stories: the midterm you flunked, the thesis you poured yourself into only to see it rejected, the recitation you blanked on when it mattered most, and the list goes on. These are acknowledged, not mourned, as stepping stones to your very own progress.
When it feels like you’ve lost your way, big AND small victories lead you to the Gallery of Grit. Bright and triumphant, this room honors perseverance—in sleep-deprived study sessions, rewriting the rejected thesis, and the moments you pushed through when quitting felt easier. It reminds us that resilience isn’t flashy; it’s the quiet choice to try again, show up, and keep going.
As you look back on the semester, take pride in both stops. Failure has been your mentor, and grit is your greatest ally. Together, they’ve helped you sculpt testaments of progress and persistence. After all, each effort is a brushstroke on the canvas, and the masterpiece is you.
students and organizations within MSU-IIT. Fingers crossed.
But as long as even a single parasol remains open, let it serve as a visual reminder: stopgaps never patch nor bridge any gaps.
GIAN PRINCE JABAGAT & ARIELLE KIRSTEN JUMAWAN
While national pride stems from the thought of the Philippines ranking on top, the truth is a bitter pill—our country is often found leading in the shameful realm of corruption.
Philippine politics has been rotting. It became an arena not for public service and human development but a playground for corrupt politicians indulging their greed. These systemic concerns continue to damage the system, and later on, became the system itself. Hence, a possible cure for this disease is the passage of House Bill 11211 also known as “Death Penalty for Corruption Act,” believed to be the only way to inflict fear and impose an eye for an eye sanction on deceitful politicians. However, no matter how legal it may be, bandaids can never cure cancers.
The crocs get Jose
“Kung maisasabatas ang panukala, mauubos ang lahat ng opisyal"
Since time immemorial, corruption has been rampant in the country. From the lowest level of government to the highest, corruption existed and was embodied in varying ways— bribery, lobbying, cronyism, and nepotism, to name a few. Undoubtedly, these concepts were made even stronger with the power of the enduring political dynasties dominating the political arena by treating the public as mere toys and puppets.
The proposed House Bill, authored by Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Khymer Adan Olaso, targets to execute officials from the national to the barangay levels spanning—executive, legislative and judicial branches,
Band-Aids on Cancer:
FEBIE CLYDE MAATA
officials in the Constitutional Commission, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)—through a firing squad.
Conforming the legislative intent of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), RA 7080 (Anti-Plunder Act) and the malversation of public funds under the Revised Penal Code, this proposed Death Penalty for Corruption Act aims to eradicate corruption by penalizing perpetrators, which is seen as a method of demanding accountability from being convicted to such matter.
Despite the opposing scheme of this proposed bill towards the prohibition of death penalty in the country under RA 9346, Rep. Olaso firmly argued that the grave and inhumane practice of corruption heavily affecting the general welfare of the Filipino community will never be solved by the insufficient laws of today.
The disease continues…
Politics will never be cured overnight. These laws on graft and corruption have been sleeping for decades—enough time to ideally regulate and punish public officials who try to take the nation’s funds.
Yet, expectations never meet reality. Hundreds of politicians are obviously making politics a business, distributing ayuda labeled as
Filipino community. With the passage of the death penalty as a sanction for corruption, the disease will still linger as long as the symptoms within the system are never cured.
Fix the system, not the disease
Given the slow and weak justice system in the Philippines, how will this law ensure that the real criminals will get what they deserve?
The law may be harsh, but it is the law—this may serve a gleaming justice in the society, but in reality, laws are not applied for everyone. If this House Bill gets approved by the Senate, this would only target those micro-level officials, while the big bosses in the higher-ups would continue sucking people’s taxes. Remember the petty thieves such as old people stealing bread, getting their mugshots posted, while the big thieves sit comfortably in the Senate?
In addition, Section 1 of the Bill of Rights protects a person’s right to life, liberty, and property. Given the purpose of House Bill 11211, it is evident to say that it contradicts human rights. Politically speaking, the disease is never the problem, it is the disregarded root causes of corruption that needs to be addressed. Thus, it is a matter of questioning how, rather than spitting who and what.
their own, requesting huge amounts of budget for programs and infrastructures, all while leaving Filipinos dumbfounded in pursuit of progress.
Hence, with the absence of strict implementation of laws directed by co-crocs and their connections, greedy politicians continue to shamelessly manipulate the
After all, political awareness is top-tier. If electorates were enlightened to see the whole of politics with an open eye, corrupt officials sucking public funds would never be in position. Crocodiles will only stay in the slums of envy and hunger while seeking a position in the government. But sadly, what is lacking in the country is prior knowledge to a candidate’s motive. Due to a lack of resources, people are left with no choice but to believe in anyone who hands them cash with a spoonful fizz of rhetorics.
House Bill 11211 is a band-aid
Today, we must never allow another era of killings. Opposing the death penalty is not about tolerating corruption—it is about protecting the little yet significant leaders in the community.
It is time to strengthen the current laws. Revisit the sections of the previous laws regulating public officials, make use of these long provisions, and then strictly apply it to the violators. After all, death is not an assurance to a cure, it only puts an end to one animal’s journey. And just like death, band-aids cannot cure cancer, it only worsens the disease.
RAISE THE BAR
Powerlifting Duo Mamauag, Pangandaman elevate the platform to new heights
JOHN PAUL ESTARES
Weightlifting is more commonly associated with the general public, largely because it has been a part of the Olympics since 1896. While the terms ‘weightlifting’ and ‘powerlifting’ are frequently conflated, they refer to different sports. Weightlifting emphasizes the snatch and clean and jerk. On the other hand, powerlifting centers around the squat, bench press, and deadlift, with a focus on testing raw strength in a different way. Additionally, powerlifting is gradually gaining more recognition internationally and in the Philippines.
With its gradual growth in popularity across the country, two students from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) have paved the way in introducing the sport to the city of Iligan.
John Robert Mamauag, a 22-year-old senior Computer Science student from the College of Computer Studies (CCS), and Mohammad Raafi Pangandaman, 20-year-old sophomore Nursing student from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), have become instrumental in bringing powerlifting to the forefront of the city’s fitness community.
Their journey into powerlifting began not too long ago. Surprisingly, Mamauag started the sport at the age of 21, while Pangandaman, at 17, began going to the gym as a pastime during the pandemic. Two years later, the latter decided to pursue powerlifting seriously.
The two have an interesting story behind what, or who, inspired them to join the sport. For Mamauag, it was Pangandaman who sparked his interest. “I saw this guy for the first time, and I was in awe of how strong he was. I was even more impressed when he told me [that] he was only 18,” Mamauag shared.
In contrast, Pangandaman’s journey began with little knowledge of powerlifting. “It was my friend John Robert who introduced me to the sport and invited me to compete with him two years later,” Pangandaman explained.
Of course, their path to becoming tough powerlifters hasn’t been without challenges. While Mamauag finds training “fun” and “stress-relieving,” he acknowledges that the real struggle lies in managing the external factors—nutrition, sleep, and stress. “Everything needs to be perfect,” he said.
Pangandaman has also faced obstacles with consistency and motivation. “There were times when I felt burnt out and didn’t want to train, but my dream of becoming stronger and winning a national title kept me going,” he shared.
Recently, these powerlifters brought pride and honor to both the institute and the city by winning five gold medals and one silver, while breaking national records at the Dewfoam Mindanao Powerlifting Championships 2024. Mamauag won three gold medals, and Pangandaman earned two golds and one silver.
Their triumph in this tournament is a testament to their enduring perseverance and sacrifices in the pursuit of greatness, leaving the entire MSU-IIT community awestruck. Through their remarkable achievements, Mamauag and Pangandaman have brought the oftenoverlooked sport of powerlifting into the spotlight.
Beyond their personal success, they have become part of the trailblazers in promoting powerlifting within the Iligan community. Mamauag’s journey began with a simple desire to get stronger, but as he progressed, others took notice and joined him. Recognizing the sport’s potential, Pangandaman stepped up as a mentor, guiding new lifters and helping them discover their own strength.
Together, they have created a supportive environment where powerlifting is about more than just lifting weights—it’s about pushing personal limits and supporting one another’s growth. Their efforts have inspired many, and the powerlifting community in Iligan continues to expand, building on the solid foundation they have established.
Their journey proves that pursuing one’s passion can spark change and bring people together. Mamauag and Pangandaman’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the future of powerlifting in Iligan and beyond.
Bandwidth Bottleneck:
MSU-IIT’s Struggle to Stay Connected
There is nothing more frustrating than waiting on a loading screen while fulfilling academic obligations. At Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), slow internet speeds and unreliable connections disrupt productivity for both students and faculty. Despite offering free Wi-Fi, network congestion and limited access points cause frequent disconnections, especially during peak hours. These issues impact academic work and research, underlining the need for better internet infrastructure. The question remains: Why has the university not resolved systemic problems with MyIIT Wi-Fi congestion, slow speeds, and limited access—especially when fast, reliable internet is essential for academic success and innovation?
Network congestion is a major issue. With thousands of users logging into MyIIT Wi-Fi daily, the system often reaches its capacity. Ranie Boy Agad, Network Administrator of the Computer Facilities & Support Services (CFSS) under the Center for Information and Communication Technology (CICT), shared that around 1,000 to 2,000 students are actively using MyIIT Wi-Fi at any given time, with some access points— hardware devices that connect other Wi-Fi devices to the network—supporting only 50 users. This strain leads to “denial of service” situations, where users cannot connect or are disconnected due to overwhelming demand.
Another issue is the presence of dead spots, particularly in areas where reliable connectivity is crucial, such as classrooms, laboratories, and the gymnasium. These dead zones result in frequent connectivity problems, leaving students frustrated as they search for a signal. Some jokingly refer to this as playing “Dora the Explorer,” navigating the
campus like a treasure hunt. This disruption not only affects academic activities but also hinders access to online resources essential for studies and research.
Currently, MSU-IIT relies on two internet providers for failover protection: PLDT as the primary provider and Globe as the secondary. However, the system is not always reliable, especially since the MyIIT network is open and accessible to all students without a password.
CICT Director Dante Dinawanao revealed in an interview that the biggest hurdle to achieving a reliable connection and adequate access points is the limited financial resources, which have slowed down the much-needed upgrades to the campus network. Despite ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, the university’s financial constraints continue to be a significant barrier in addressing these pressing issues.
In spite of the budget constraints, the administration is dedicated to upgrading the network, including rewiring older buildings to support modern equipment and meet the growing demand for connectivity.
The campus’s internet backbone, built with fiber-optic cables, serves as the central connection linking all buildings. As part of the upgrade, the goal is to achieve speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) across most of the campus. According to Agad, “The fiber backbone is essential for ensuring fast, uninterrupted access to high-speed internet, which is crucial not only for daily operations, but also for research, data analysis, and emerging technologies like AI.”
Fiber-optic cables have already been
installed in some buildings, with the transition to 10 Gbps speeds underway. Funded by the national government, this upgrade is essential for enhancing MSU-IIT’s infrastructure and supporting its goal of becoming a hub for innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
Dinawanao emphasized, “We aim to make MSU-IIT a testbed for AI technologies, smart devices, and other applications. Our goal is to create a system where students and researchers can collaborate on projects that require reliable, high-speed internet connections.”
Looking ahead, MSU-IIT plans to implement reliable campus-wide Wi-Fi and integrate a mesh Wi-Fi system, contingent on budget availability. Combined with the expanded fiber-optic network, this system will enable seamless data transmission, supporting the demands of AI-driven research and applications. Additionally, the administration has also stressed the importance of feedback from students and faculty. A survey is being considered to assess how the upgraded infrastructure impacts research, learning, and daily academic activities. Gathering input will help measure the effectiveness of the upgrades and guide further improvements.
Despite the challenges, students remain hopeful that MSU-IIT’s improving connectivity will enhance their learning experience and support the development of new technologies. For this to happen, the university must prioritize building a stronger IT infrastructure to meet the needs of future students and faculty—if it wants to maintain its position as a leading institution for technological innovation in the region.
