Earlier this week, I again found myself in General Santos City, attending the Investiture Ceremony for the new Chancellor of Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU GenSan).

With Atty. Shidik T. Abantas as the seventh regular chancellor to be installed, this marks the beginning of another chapter for MSU GenSan — one filled with hope, challenges, and a forward-looking vision for the future.

Though I did not attend MSU, my connection to this great institution runs deep, especially in understanding the significance of its mission to serve both Filipino Muslims and the broader Mindanao community.

Interestingly, the new chancellor’s surname — Abantas — conjures up the idea of a symbol that implies leadership or being ahead of the rest, signifying a role of responsibility. This piece, “The Ikapitu a Abantas” in Maranao symbolizes Atty. Abantas’assumption as the seventh leader of MSU-General Santos.

I liken the chancellor’s name Abantas to abante/abanti which roughly translates to being ahead.

As it happens, Chancellor Abantas now has on his shoulders the responsibility of guiding the university through its challenges and triumphs, into being ahead of the rest, which is no small feat.

His election and installation reflects the immense trust placed in him by the institution. Yet, beyond the title lies the profound duty of shaping the future of an institution that carries the hopes and aspirations of many.

While on campus, I conversed with one of the staff members. I often use these candid exchanges to gauge the atmosphere beyond the official statements. Angelu, the staff member, offered a sincere appeal: “Sir, dito po muna siya (Chancellor Abantas). We need someone like him to continue leading us to our aspirations. I know it’s selfish on our part, but we really welcome him here.”

Personally, I couldn’t help but feel optimism — and the staffer’s words about Chancellor Abantas affirmed this.

The moment Atty. Abantas took his oath as the seventh regular chancellor of MSU-General Santos, he accepted not only the position — but also a vision, a burden and a hope.

Every new chancellor is responsible for both the campus’ academic growth and also its social and cultural role in the region. The path ahead is not without obstacles. But the new chancellor has a new canvas to guide MSU GenSan through its next phase with a clear vision, strong dedication, and perseverance.

It is also essential to reflect on the legacy of the six chancellors who came before Atty. Abantas. Each of them contributed to MSU GenSan’s growth, facing distinct challenges while shaping the institution’s direction. As we look forward, we must also acknowledge the efforts of these leaders who helped steer MSU GenSan to where it stands today.

From my perspective and after reflecting on the investiture and all that it stood for, I feel driven to give a respectful challenge to Chancellor Abantas. His ability and commitment are definitely unquestionable. His 8-point Agenda shows this. But knowing the system too well, with all its weight and inertia, it can slowly consume even the most principled of leaders.

So I urge him: fulfill your vision — wholly, if possible; partially, if necessary — but do so with the same fire on your last day as you carry today. The seventh seat is yours. May it carry not only your name, but your legacy!