Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Marking its 115th Anniversary, Central Mindanao University (CMU) is charting a course to become a “Social Enterprise University,” a centerpiece of President Rolito G. Eballe’s new plan for global competitiveness and financial sustainability.
In his 2nd State of the University Address (SUA), held at the University Convention Center on September 19, 2025, the 10th University President laid out a decade-long vision focused on institutional excellence, global competitiveness, and community-building.
Themed “Conquering Horizons through Global Foresight, Performance Management, and Innovation,” Dr. Eballe declared his commitment to forging a “future-ready university for generations to come.” He immediately recognized the community’s heroic and unified response to flash floods that struck the campus just two days prior.
Dr. Eballe expressed his deepest gratitude for the swift action of the CMU Incident Management Team (composed of CMU DRRM, OPRI, University Hospital, Security Services Unit, and others), the quick response from the Municipality of Maramag, and the selfless help of student volunteers (SSC, USSCO, RCY, PAAns, Ranchers Club) and university personnel (OGS, OSAS, University Homestay, University Extension Office among others). He highlighted their spirit of volunteerism as a prime example of the collective commitment he espouses.
Moving from crisis response, Dr. Eballe underscored his term’s foundation on the pillars of good governance: Transparency, Accountability, Respect for the Rule of Law, and Participation.
In a major governance victory, CMU successfully reclaimed 155 hectares of its land from illegal occupants. The university secured a favorable ruling from the Municipal Circuit Trial Court, which was upheld by the Regional Trial Court of Malaybalay, leading to the peaceful enforcement of a Writ of Demolition in June 2025. Following the retrieval, CMU immediately launched rehabilitation initiatives, including the “Bayanihan para sa CMU: A Fence Project to Protect CMU and the Future,” led by alumni, faculty, and employee associations. The land is now being utilized for agriculture, with 25 hectares already planted for rice projects. Dr. Eballe emphasized that these “deliberate steps to secure the University’s landholdings are an essential foundation for stability and sustainability.”
The President then celebrated the university’s track record, proudly announcing a perfect performance in two recent professional examinations. CMU achieved a 100% passing rate and secured top rankings in both the November 2024 Nutritionists-Dietitians and Philippine Nursing Licensure Examinations. To sustain these academic triumphs, he reported that the Board of Regents (BOR) approved increased cash incentives for board topnotchers, now awarding ₱100,000 to first placers and up to ₱150,000 to top-performing programs.
Dr. Eballe also reported significant national and international recognition for CMU’s commitment to research and innovation. In 2024, CMU completed 51 research projects, with 90% of the outputs published in reputable peer-reviewed journals. As of August 2025, 72 projects are ongoing with nearly ₱19 million in total funding.
In terms of institutional standing, the university secured 19th place nationwide in the 2026 AD Scientific Index (up from 27th in 2024). In Institutional Quality, CMU now holds the Level III Institutional Re-Accreditation by AACCUP, a unique distinction in Mindanao. It also received the prestigious QS 3-Star Award and placed 184th in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025. Additionally, CMU has been recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, where CMU placed in the 1501+ band and recently received the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Level 1.
Dr. Eballe announced significant academic progress, confirming that the university is preparing to open its own School of Law to offer a Juris Doctor with Thesis program, which, having received positive feedback from the Legal Education Board, is set for a School Year 2026–2027 launch upon final approval from the Board of Regents (BOR).
Moving forward, President Eballe unveiled the university’s new 10-year development plan for 2026–2035. He announced that the university will transition to becoming a Social Enterprise University, leveraging its vast landholdings and knowledge not only for academic excellence but also for commercializing its assets and knowledge to generate sustainable social and economic impact. Key plans under this strategy include instructional digital transformation, research and enterprise, financial sustainability, and infrastructure.
“Together, guided by our Strategic Plan and upcoming University Code, CMU is building a future-ready, impact-driven university, empowering communities and shaping change across ASEAN through excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production,” he asserted.
President Eballe concluded by emphasizing that the success of CMU rests on the collective dedication of all its members. “It is my aspiration that all of you carry the same vision for Central Mindanao University: a vision where every stakeholder wholeheartedly presents themselves in service for the benefit of present and future generations, for our community, and for our country. Even amid budget constraints and shifting political landscapes, we shall remain a catalyst for development and a source of solutions to the challenges before us,” he stated.
From reclaiming land to charting a decade of enterprise, President Eballe’s SUA delivers a clear message: CMU’s success rests on transparency, performance, and a collective commitment to conquer horizons for generations to come. [ Iyren Dalipe Neri ]
