AMSC Charts Future Course: Stakeholders Gather to Redefine Institutional Identity and Mandate

DITSA-AN RAMAIN, LANAO DEL SUR – In a historic gathering on April 14, 2026, Adiong Memorial State College (AMSC) hosted a comprehensive “Stakeholders’ Consultation on the AMSC VMGOs cum Revisitation of the AMSC Mandate” at the Science Lecture Hall. The event served as a critical platform for reflection, aiming to align the institution’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives (VMGO) with the evolving needs of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The consultation opened with a call for honest and collaborative participation, led by Internal Auditor III Sir Norhan L. Abay, representing Chief Admin Dr. Rashida A. Abedin. College President Dr. Sherifa Rohannie K. Adiong emphasized that this engagement is vital as the college aggressively pursues accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) by 2025. Dr. Adiong articulated a vision of AMSC as a global hub for transformational education, grounded in transparency, accountability, and community involvement.

Providing a narrative of the college's journey, Dr. Sittienor C. Abubakar and Atty. Emirhamma P. Macabando detailed the institution's historical and legal evolution. From its origins under Republic Act No. 7935, which converted a national high school into a polytechnic college, to Republic Act No. 11756, which broadened its academic scope, the college has consistently expanded its mandate to include higher professional and technical instruction alongside research and extension services.

The open forum, moderated by Prof. Sherifa Ainee O. Kadil, brought diverse perspectives to the table, first, as to the sectoral development, Ditsa-an Ramain MLGOO Salahuddin Lucman II highlighted the urgent need for development planning courses and addressed the low interest in local fisheries resources.

Second, as to the inclusivity and food Security, Bai a labi Aisha Baicon C. Nuska, founder of the Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative stressed the importance of inclusive organization and aligning academic offerings with global food security programs.

Third, as to the digital transformation, DICT-Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Engr. Amalbasa Asum prioritized digital skills training and online services to enhance educational accessibility.

Fourth, Ditsa-an Ramain Councilor Nurbani C. Macaraya commented that there is a mandate in agriculture and environmental discussions. The aim is to align needs with work mandates. The initiative includes athlete culture and environmental considerations.

On the other hand, Engr. Labimombao A.D. Macabando, a former MSU-System Vice President for Planning and Development reminded the mandate of RA 8651 which primarily prioritizes the courses in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. She also suggested that the new vision of the Adiong Memorial State College must be “a leading center of transformative education in the Bangsamoro region shaping lives and building a better future.” Further, ten-year strategic plan and the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) were presented to President Adiong as reference.

Despite the ambitious goals, the administration acknowledged significant hurdles. Dr. Adiong noted a shortage of qualified faculty in specialized programs like forestry and agriculture, alongside the financial constraints of acquiring high-level equipment. To achieve university status, the State College is working to meet strict requirements, including the establishment of doctorate programs and obtaining compliance certificates for new offerings like BS Criminology.

Current initiatives to bolster this transition include international memorandums of understanding, digitized data systems for real-time collaboration, and the establishment of a research consortium with other universities. The State College is also pursuing halal certification for specific programs and expanding Islamic education through religious partnerships.

The event was hosted by Information Officer II, Abdul Rafie R. Masbud and this concluded with a renewed commitment to resource optimization and academic excellence, as the State College prepares to expand with a new extension campus funded through national support.

As the session closed, Information Officer III, Aliasgar M. Mimbalawag and the assembly looked toward a future where AMSC serves as a responsive, empowering center for regional development.

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