By Chessa Pae Faustino, STRATCOM Correspondent

The College of Teacher Education Student Council (CTE-SC) and the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) were recognized as the Best Student Council and Best Academic Organization, respectively, for 2023-2024 at the 2025 Stallion Awards, which took place on January 31 at Teatro Ilocandia.

In the Laboratory Schools, the Physical Education, Health, and Music organization of the Laboratory High School (LHS) and the MAPEH Club of the Laboratory Elementary School (LES) also earned the Best Academic Organization awards for their outstanding student-led initiatives.

LHS Batac was recognized as the Best Student Body Organization, while LES Laoag was awarded the Best General Laboratory Elementary School in the student council category. The best interest clubs included Laboratory Travel Hub at the tertiary level and Marianites Publication and MMSU’s ABC from LHS Laoag, representing the high school and elementary school levels, respectively.

Additionally, 14 other exemplary student councils and academic organizations were recognized for spearheading impactful programs in the previous academic year.

Meanwhile, students who excelled in international and national competitions from different colleges and campuses were also given certifications.  Leading the awardees for the international level was the Nasudi Chorale, which triumphed at the 13th World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2024.  Under the category, awards were also given to the best paper and poster presenters at both laboratory school and college levels.

College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy students were recognized for their Project KARITON initiative, which won a grant from the 2024 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative-Seeds for the Future Grants Competition, and for earning a top spot in the Virtual Community and Technological Camp Nusantara 2024.

At the national level, students from various colleges and LHS were commended for their achievements in competitions, such as the State Universities and Colleges Fair, Philippine Association of State Universities and College Culture and Arts Festival, Philippine Society of Youth Sciences Clubs’ STEM Expo, and contests on research, project pitching, essay writing, spelling bee, filmmaking, business, and accounting. 

In addition, topnotchers in various board examinations in 2024 were honored at the awarding ceremony.

Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director Emil James Tanagon highlighted that the awards symbolize students’ sacrifices and hard-earned success, paving the way for future organizations and strengthening the university’s culture of achievement. 

MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco congratulated the awardees and commended OSAS for initiating the Stallion Awards. She described students as the heart of MMSU, whose achievements in academics, extracurriculars, and the arts have elevated the university’s reputation. 

Organized by OSAS, the event gathered university officials, student council coordinators, students, and faculty members as part of the month-long celebration of the 47th Foundation Anniversary.

In the future, OSAS plans to recognize student achievements in different fields, such as journalism, community development, research, sports, arts, military service, discipline formation, and spirit formation. The guidelines will also be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the World University Rankings for Innovation criteria.