Cris James - MU Marketing Department
November 4, 2026 4:55 P.M.
37Misamis University Opens Its Heritage to the Public Through Heritage Exposition
Misamis University, founded in 1929, is approaching its centennial in 2029. In preparation for the milestone, the University has begun initiatives to engage the community in the celebration. One such activity is the “Heritage and Memory Art Exposition and Gallery,” held on October 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the campus Function Hall.
The exposition aimed to showcase historical photographs that help tell the story of Misamis University. It highlighted the significance of the photographs and connected them to the University’s development from its founding to the present day. This formed the first part of the morning’s program.
The exhibition featured three main groups of photographs. The first showed the University’s founder, former presidents, and current president, Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon. The second featured former University officials, while the third presented historic campus buildings that reflect the growth of the University’s infrastructure.
The event was attended by foreign guest Prof. R. Vithya Charan, PhD, CEO of Red Sea Associates in Penang, Malaysia, and Bali, Indonesia. Also in attendance were 22 administrators and deans, 28 stakeholders from government agencies and other organizations, including representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, disaster risk reduction and management offices, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, and the Local Tourism Office, as well as alumni and 55 students representing the University’s 11 colleges.
On behalf of University President Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon, Dr. Lloyd B. Ranises, Director of Linkages and International Affairs, welcomed the participants and expressed her gratitude to stakeholders and community members who supported the event. Dr. Ranises explained the event’s rationale and presented a historical press account of Misamis University. The account referred to the institution by its original name, Kolambugan Academy, in a newspaper published on December 4, 1931. The newspaper, Bag-ong Kusog (“New Strength”), was produced and circulated in Cebu City. Its former Spanish name was Nueva Fuerza.
In his presentation, titled “Misamis University: A Monument to Nearly a Century of Educational Service,” Dr. Ranises explained that the University’s growth has accompanied the development of the province and neighboring communities. As the population grew, so did the need for accessible education. In 1929, Dr. Hilarion Feliciano founded Kolambugan Academy to address the challenges families faced in sending their children to schools farther away.
Over the decades, the institution has educated generations of students and contributed to community development. As Misamis University approaches its centennial in 2029, it continues its commitment to accessible education. Dr. Ranises described the University’s campus in Ozamiz City as a monument to the founders’ vision, the institution’s educational legacy, and its long-standing service to Misamis Occidental and the wider community.
The Misamis University Chorale performed “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” (“Victory for All”) and “A Million Dreams,” adding to the event’s celebratory and heritage-themed program. Ms. Cherry L. Lobido, a librarian of the University Library, also spoke about the significance of the three groups of photographs on display.
The program then continued with the validation of the University’s accomplishments related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which formed the second part of the morning’s event. At the end of the program, Prof. Charan shared his reflections and impressions of the event.
The Heritage and Memory Art Exposition and Gallery was an important first step in creating a public space dedicated to recognizing Misamis University’s historical significance. By drawing attention to aspects of the institution’s past that may otherwise receive little notice, the initiative helped community members better understand the history, vision, and effort behind the University’s founding and continued service.
The exposition also reinforced shared community values and encouraged participants to work together toward a common future in Ozamiz City.
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