Mindanao State University – General Santos marked the start of construction of a new mosque at its College of Education Training Department (CETD) Campus through a groundbreaking ceremony held on August 26, 2026.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the university’s Muslim community, with the mosque set to provide a dedicated place of worship for Muslim students, faculty, staff, and nearby community members.
The program began with an invocation led by Moh’d Amersab D. Pangandaman, Staff of the Halal Research & Training Center, followed by a message of gratitude from Prof. Jamilnur D. Sarip, MAIS, Director of the Halal Research & Training Center.
In his inspirational message, MSU – GenSan Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, described the project as a significant development for the campus, noting that the mosque will be the university’s first to be funded entirely through an external donation rather than university funds. “This is our first masjid that will be funded not by the university but a complete donation from an NGO or an entity,” Abantas said.
The Chancellor also further emphasized the importance of having a mosque within the CETD Campus, particularly for the Muslim community in the area. “For the first time we will have a formal mosque in this part of the city where our campus is situated,” he said, underscoring the significance of providing an appropriate space for prayer and worship.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli Bin Baharom, Vice President of Amal Foundation Malay, delivered an inspirational message, while Mohammad M. Sani Jr. of 5NG Construction Supplies presented the project profile and delivered the message from the contractor.
Prof. Randy P. Asturias, Vice Chancellor for Planning & Development, conveyed the university’s message of support for the project, emphasizing the mosque’s potential to foster harmony and unity within the university community. “It will also become a symbol of peace, understanding, respect, and unity among our university,” Asturias said.
The groundbreaking ceremony culminated in the laying of the time capsule, participated in by representatives of Amal Foundation Malay, university officials, 5NG Construction Supplies, and the Technical Working Group (TWG).
The activity concluded with a photo session, formally marking the beginning of the mosque project at the MSU-GenSan CETD Campus.
The new mosque is expected to serve not only as a dedicated place of worship but also as a meaningful space that supports the spiritual and communal needs of the university’s Muslim community.
