13/04/2026
โ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ: ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐จโ๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข-๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌโ
In what has become one of the most memorable gatherings of agriculture students and academic leaders in recent years, the 14th FASMIN Congress 2026, hosted by the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology from April 7โ11, 2026, stood as a shining testament to unity, excellence, and shared aspirations for the future of agriculture in Mindanao. Dubbed as the largest convergence of agriculture students in the region, the congress gathered nearly 20 institutionsโcomprising 16 regular and 4 associate member schoolsโin a vibrant celebration of skills, knowledge, culture, and collaboration.
From the very first day, Tangub City came alive with energy and excitement as delegates paraded through the streets in a colorful motorcade, marking the official opening of the congress. The grand opening program, held at the PE Academic Building, featured a festive and symbolic entrance of all delegations, each proudly carrying their banners and representing their respective institutions. This spectacle of unity and pride set the tone for a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience for all participants.
At the heart of the congress were the various competitions that showcased the competencies of future agri-leaders. From crop and livestock-based technical events to rodeo skills, literary contests, musical and dance performances, and pageantry, the congress provided a holistic platform for students to demonstrate not only their academic knowledge but also their creativity, resilience, and teamwork.
In the final overall tally, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines โ Claveria emerged as Grand Champion with a commanding 285 total points, decisively outpacing Central Mindanao University with 228 points and Camiguin Polytechnic State College with 226 points. The host institution NMSCST followed with 191 points, while JH Cerilles State College completed the Top 5 with 168 points. The succeeding rankings included MSU - Sultan Naga Dimaporo (128 points), JRMSU-Katipunan (118 points), Caraga State University (115 points), MSU-General Santos (110 points), MSU-Naawan (103 points), Mountain View College (96 points), Sultan Kudarat State University (75 points), Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (73 points), Pangantucan BCC (72 points), Western Mindanao State University (47 points), Agusan del Sur State University (38 points), Misamis University (35 points), Tubod College (27 points), and USTP-Balubal (14 points), with other associate schools completing the roster. The Top 5 institutions were conferred plaques and certificates, while individual and team winners received medals, plaques, and certificates in recognition of their excellence.
USTP-Claveriaโs path to victory was anchored in its commanding performance in the crop-based category, where it led with 81 points, followed by NMSCST with 54 points and Central Mindanao University with 52 points. This category became the cornerstone of its championship run, demonstrating unmatched technical expertise and precision. In the livestock-based competitions, however, NMSCST topped the field with 19 points, followed by Caraga State University with 16 points, while USTP-Claveria secured third place with 12 points, maintaining its competitive edge.
The momentum strongly shifted in the rodeo skills (cattle events), where USTP-Claveria dominated with 57 points, surpassing JRMSU-Katipunan with 47 points and Camiguin Polytechnic State College with 44 points. These events highlighted the teamโs strength, discipline, and coordination. In the rodeo skills (non-cattle events), Camiguin Polytechnic State College led with a remarkable 85 points, followed by JH Cerilles State College with 47 points and NMSCST with 30 points, reflecting the diversity of strengths among participating institutions.
In the literary and speech competitions, Central Mindanao University emerged on top with 62 points, while USTP-Claveria and Camiguin Polytechnic State College shared second place with 34 points each, closely followed by NMSCST with 32 points. Despite stiff competition, USTP-Claveria regained dominance in the musical and dance competitions, amassing an impressive 80 points, far ahead of MSU-General Santos with 36 points, and both NMSCST and MSU-SND with 30 points each. This strong performance underscored the teamโs versatility, blending artistic excellence with technical prowess.
Meanwhile, the pageant category was led by Central Mindanao University with 13 points, followed by Camiguin Polytechnic State College with 11 points, and MSU-SND and Sultan Kudarat State University tied at 8 points. Although USTP-Claveria did not top this category, its consistent high performance across all major competitions ultimately secured its overall dominance.
Beyond the competitions, the congress served as a hub for intellectual exchange and innovation. The Mindanao Agri-Development Forum featured Prof. Donludee Jaisut of Kasetsart University, who shared global best practices in smart agriculture and innovation, alongside Ms. Lanie Besana of Lolaโs Gardens, who introduced hydroponics technology for high-value organic cropsโopening doors for internships, collaborations, and enterprise development.
The success of the congress was further strengthened through the guidance of the Commission on Higher Education Region X, which serves as the umbrella organization supervising the initiatives of the Association of Deans, Senior Faculty, and Heads of Agri-Schools in Mindanao, Inc., particularly the FASMIN Congresses. This ensured that the event remained aligned with national academic standards while fostering innovation and collaboration across institutions.
Organized under the leadership of Dr. Eric Randy R. Politud, the congress was executed with excellence, thanks to the outstanding hosting of NMSCST under Dr. Reynaldo E. Manuel Jr., with the invaluable support of former OIC President Ms. Krisimae B. Lagang, Dr. Annibelle Joy Mendoza, and Dr. Ferlyn Logronio. Their leadership earned widespread commendation for the seamless and highly organized conduct of the event.
With strong backing from the Tangub City local government, the congress culminated in a vibrant Hudyaka Rave Partyโcelebrating unity, camaraderie, and shared success. Indeed, the 14th FASMIN Congress was more than a competitionโit was a celebration of excellence, partnership, and shared vision, leaving behind experiences that will forever be cherished by all who took part.
As the torch is passed to USTP-Claveria for the 15th FASMIN Congress in 2027, the legacy continuesโstronger, prouder, and ever more inspiring for the future of agriculture in Mindanao.
