TRANSCEND | Intramurals 2025 Day 4 Newsletter

Extempo finalists defend value of Gen Ed in upholding SDG 4

MARIA NICOLE SILVA

After being challenged to interpret a photo of a personality alongside a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the first round, the top three finalists of the Extemporaneous Speaking Competition collectively stood in defense of General Education (GE) subjects, asserting their vital role in achieving SDG 4: Quality Education.

The event formed part of the Literary Speaking competitions held at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) on October 13, alongside Dagliang Talumpati, Improvisation Duo, and Declamation.

Sophia Angela Omac, from the College of Engineering, emphasized that removing GE subjects would hinder the nation’s progress and limit students’ holistic growth.

She stressed that education should not only be about specialization but also about inclusivity and adaptability helping learners connect knowledge beyond their technical fields.

“One of the greatest obstacles

to progress is not poverty, not corruption, not even ignorance, but our own fear of change. We must face reality that the removal of general education subjects in the college curriculum would greatly affect our progress, especially in terms of education. Let us be inclusive because we, students, everyone, deserve to have as much knowledge as possible for us to foster progress,” Omac iterated.

Meanwhile, Jeus Carl Suezo Lachica from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) reinforced that while specialization sharpens expertise, GE subjects ensure balance by fostering critical thinking and communication skills. He emphasized that without GE, education risks becoming purely technical, missing the broader purpose of nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to national development.

Moreover, Junzo Vito Hiratsuka from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) argued that the removal of GE would strip education of its humanizing essence. Drawing from history, he cited the Holocaust as an example of professionals who lacked ethical grounding—a gap that general education seeks to fill. He emphasized that GE subjects cultivate moral discernment, empathy, and respect among diverse learners.

“In specialized education, people are like machines. In the Holocaust, nurses, lawyers, and doctors were educated but they did not have ethics. That’s why we really need general education—it builds character. It teaches us to respect cultures, religions, and indigenous peoples. Because of GE, we

graduate not just as professionals but as people who fight for freedom, society, and what’s good,” Hiratsuka explained.

Judge’s opinion

Karen Umadhay, a three-year consecutive judge of the event and an alumna of BA Filipino, commended the participants’ passion and dedication, noting the continued excellence of MSUans in the field of literature.

“Nandun na yung passion, yung dedication but I think kailangan lang silang ma-guide para lalo pang maenhance yung mga talent na meron sila. Pero all in all, makikita natin yung galing ng MSUan sa larangan ng literature,” she stated.

Umadhay also shared that this year’s integration of the SDG theme is a meaningful move for scholars, as it deepens their social awareness.

“Bilang iskolar ng bayan, sa mga ganitong patimpalak natin makikita di lang yung galing natin, pati na rin yung pagiging malay natin sa mga isyu sa lipunan at sa pamamagitan ng SDG,” the judge said.

The Dagliang Talumpati Top 3 included participants from CSSH, COA, and Legendary Mentors (COED with SHS) while the final results for Declamation and Improvisation Duo will be announced on October 15 at the University Gymnasium during Literary Night.

FROM WALLS TO STRUCTURES

OVCSAS, Rotaract club conducts EcoSculpture making, opens opportunities for visual artists

From last year’s colorful and lively wall displays to this year’s amusing structures made from recycled plastics, MSUans continue to showcase their artistry through the Visual Arts Competition, held in line with the Intramurals 2025 celebration on October 13.

According to Dr. Norman Ralph Isla, ViceChancellor for Student Affairs and Services, this year’s visual art competition introduces Recycled Sculpture—where different colleges showcase their creativity through sculpting with recyclable materials found here in the campus, partnered with the Rotaract Club of Dadiangas and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Services (OVCSAS).

“We tried to select the best output that would really stand out in recycled sculpture—in order to promote and acknowledge the mastery of the students in creating art out of sustainable materials, even recycling and upcycling,” Isla uttered.

Anchored with the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in the campus, visual artists in different colleges construct their own sculptures in order to showcase these goals.

‘Waste disposal, still an issue’

According to Isla, waste disposal has become an evident problem in our society today since it does not “melt” and it does not “bubble.”

“Though in the perspective of the artistic view of our visual artists, it’s also a good opportunity for them to see that it can be art, that garbage can be art. But, of course, we always say that art shouldn’t just end in garbage,” Isla stated.

Moreover, he stressed that MSUans should be responsible for their wastes, saying “If we could create a better output [and] a better artwork from the waste, why not waste in the first place?”

On the other hand, Majariah Ysael, Executive Secretary of the Rotaract Club of Dadiangas and one of the judges, shared that the competitors from different colleges proved that trash can still be transformed

into art.

“So, instead of garbage, they can still make sculptures and they can still stay there for a long time in their department or in their college,” Ysael shared.

Ysael also emphasized that as a multimedia artist, she can see their creativity and that their sculptures are complete.

“I pay attention to the details and focus on the concept. I also saw the effort they put into their sculpture, their concept, and the details they add to their sculpture and the effort they put into their sculpture,” she added.

‘Next year will be different’

As per Isla, they are planning to have another competition for visual artists in the campus, opening more opportunities for them to showcase their skills and talents.

“We are thinking of either live painting, fashion design, and coordinated painting,” he mentioned.

Isla also highlighted that this year’s competition is successful because it achieved their goal of promoting various colleges.

A great opportunity for artists

In an interview, Isla mentioned that the OVCSAS came up with this idea to give opportunities for visual artists in MSU-GSC, making intramurals inclusive for them.

“For so many years, they’ve only been in the shadows. Like, they’re performing as props men. They’re just only giving color to the group. But the full recognition of giving points to the college is not due for them,” Isla stated.

He also added that this will serve as their way to shine in this year’s intramurals.

Moreover, Majariah Ysael, one of the judges shared her amazement during her judging in the competition.

“You can see their creativity and you can also see how they are doing. Their sculptures are complete, I also saw the effort they put into their sculpture, their concept, and the details they added,” Ysael uttered.

Additionally, she commended the students for using recycled materials from the parade in their sculptures, emphasizing how such efforts contribute to the campus’s cleanliness and sustainability.

COE triumphs amongst colleges

The College of Engineering (COE) triumphed over other colleges, followed by the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), grabbing the first place and the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sources (CFAS) for the second place.

For the special awards, the College of Engineering (COE) took the College Pride Award while the College of Business Administration and Accountancy grabbed the Rotaract of Dadiangas Choice Sustainable Award.

On the other hand, Ysael mentioned that the College of Engineering (COE) tested the foundation, title and stability of their sculpture.

“Of course, they are engineers and they will show their sculpture how to apply their course. And also, there are parts that are good in their concept,” she added.

Nevertheless, as a judge of the event, she extended her thanks and appreciation to other colleges for participating and making the event worthwhile.

THE SPORT NO ONE TRAINS FOR

Because everyone’s sport is straightup

bardagulan

The online banter during MSU-Gensan’s Intramurals is hotter than the noontime sun—whether it’s through MemeSU, Buhay MSUan, or real-time posts from personal accounts.

Across all colleges, even the simplest meme or post can spark a virtual ruckus. But that’s what makes MSUans’ digital sphere more alive: spirited debates, satirical flexes, and a brand of bardagulan that only MSUans can master.

Keyboard warriors, rise!

From witty punchlines and savage comebacks—online bardagulan is the inevitable sport that either makes or breaks MSUans. Taglines get twisted, comments get roasted, and somehow, everyone becomes a self-proclaimed “keyboard warrior.” Cellphone screens light up with more than hundreds of reactions—often faster than the tally board updates.

Since then, anonymous posts in the renowned Buhay MSUan and MemeSU have crept across our social media feeds.

LESLIE ANNE PAYONGAYONG

Contrary to this, frankly satirical banters from actual accounts have also surfaced without concealment. These unapologetic exchanges blur the line between playful teasing and full-on banter warfare.

Yet amidst all the chaos, there is laughter— because, really, who can resist a perfectly timed comeback?

The tongue is as sharp as the sword

The infamous shade posts are making a grand comeback—spicing up feeds and fueling another round of digital tea time. Once again, the virtual space turns lively with sharp words and clever lines that spark both amusement and debate. What starts as a playful banter can just easily evolve into heated comment discussions that ripple through the platform.

One post, and suddenly, the MSU community reaps different reactions: some hops on and reciprocate the fun, while some have opposing reactions—as if one can give a virtual side eye.

These posts, though often written with wit and humor, tend to ignite both laughter and tension across timelines. For some, it is all part of the friendly online culture that thrives during Intramurals. But for others, it serves as a reminder that digital words can cut just as deep as those spoken face-to-face.

Above all, the true Intramurals season goes beyond the funny posts and trending banters. Despite all this, the Intramurals spirit should not solely depend on social media visibility. It is the sportsmanship, unity, and spirit of being an MSUan that make the event truly shine—on and off screen. After all, every cheer, sweat, and triumph is what truly fuels the MSUan pride.

So, the real question remains: will these banters unite us—or overshadow the very purpose of what our intramurals truly stand for?

ASINTADONG PANALO

Asteegs thrower duo, nilusutan ang Tycoons sa balikatang 3-2 tagumpay; ticket sa upper bracket ng men’s darts doubles, sinigurado

JAMES VICTOR TALAY

Nilusutan ng mga inhinyero mula sa College of Engineering (COE) Asteegs ang mga Tycoons ng College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) matapos asintahin ang dikit na 3–2 labanan sa men’s darts doubles ng Intramurals 2025, na ginanap sa Gymnasium ng kampus noong Oktubre 13.

Bagaman dehado sa mga unang bahagi ng laro, dahan-dahang ginapang ng matatag na Asteeg Throwers ang sagupaan patungong leg decider, hanggang sa tuluyan itong tinuldukan nang magpakawala ng double 3 at single 3 si COE thrower Froilan Delfin—dahilan upang sila ang umabante sa upper bracket ng nasabing kompetisyon.

Ibinahagi ni Delfin na napakahalaga ng hand coordination at presence of mind sa bawat tira.

“Hand coordination ug presence of mind, mao nay pinaka-importante,” aniya.

Susi ng tambalang Delfin at Cyrus Manriquez ng

Asteegs ang di-matitinag na tiwala sa isa’t isa—isang pundasyon ng kanilang pinagsanib na pwersa upang tuluyang ma-bull’s-eye ang silya sa upper bracket.

“Team man gud siya, so tiwala lang jud sa kakampi— tiwala sa mga labay,” dagdag pa ni Delfin.

Mabilis na nasungkit ng Tycoons ang unang leg ng laban sa pamamagitan ng swabeng tandem nina Dale Dacuya at Ritzelly Robles, 1–0.

Hindi naman nagpatinag ang tropang Asteegs at agad bumawi matapos tumipak ng maagang 4–221 na bentahe pagsapit ng ikalawang leg—na nagsilbing susi upang mabilis nilang mabawi ang momentum at maitabla ang laban,1-1.

Naging tila see-saw battle ang sagupaan ng magkabilang panig, kung saan salitan silang nagkamit ng ikatlo at ikaapat na leg, 2–2.

Sa huli, muling napasakamay ng mga inhinyero ang momentum nang magtala sila ng 90–331 kalamangan kontra sa mga katunggali—tinapos sa pamamagitan ng isang krusyal na double 3 at single 3, dahilan upang tuluyang malaglag ang CBAA sa lower bracket at masungkit ng COE ang pwesto sa upper bracket ng paligsahan.

“Lipay kaayo, and redemption siya, kay una una ang tycoons jud ang lamang, naggukod ra namo,” sambit ng Asteegs thrower.

FROM SILVER TO STRONGER

Legendary Mentors paddler begin redemption run with sweep of Reapers in women’s singles table tennis tourney

Reasserting her prowess at the table, Angela Colin of the College of Education (COEd) Legendary Mentors clinched a dominant 3–0 victory over the College of Agriculture (CA) Reapers’ Lady Kassandra Nicole Calderon in the women’s singles table tennis match held at the University Library, October 12.

The silver medalist from last year’s tournament showed her experience early on, racing to a 9–4 lead in the opening set before sealing it, 11–7. Colin continued to dictate the pace of the game with precise placements and controlled serves, taking the next two sets, 11–6 and 11–5, to complete the straight-sets sweep.

In an interview after the match, Colin shared that

consistent training and tune-up sessions with other colleges helped her preparation.

“For my preparation po, I was able to tune up sa ubang colleges,” she said.

When asked about her goal for this year’s intramurals, she remained composed yet hopeful.

“It depends pa if makakuha kog gold run kay bilog ang bola,” Colin added.

With this solid start, the COEd paddler sets her sights on a potential gold-medal run, determined to build on her silver-medalist finish from last year.