The Team for the Mind the Now Project, in collaboration with the University’s Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, conducted the In-Situ Canvas Painting Contest on July 30 to 31, 2023 in line with the celebration of the University’s Foundation Day, highlighting the century-old building of the College of Teacher Education as an icon of the flagship course that identified the academic institution as a Normal School 119 years ago, which is now a State University. This Mindanao-wide contest was participated in by both students and alumni of Western Mindanao State University.The following participants emerged as winners:
Champion – Kevin D. Grapa (Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte)
1st Runner-Up – Marck Jayson B. Domael (Isabela City, Basilan)
2nd Runner-Up – McDenver Micklaus Manlangit (Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte)
3rd Runner-Up – Mimorod C. Banaag (Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay)
President’s Choice – Jerome S. Parcon (Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay)
Tawasil’s Choice – Jerome S. Parcon (Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay)
Most Unique – Earl Justin B Galvez (Zamboanga City)
Most Detailed Artwork – Kevin D. Grapa (Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte)

The Mind the Now Project aims to feature iconic people, places, food, and arts from Mindanao, starting from Zamboanga City, in the form of a Coffee Table Book, Music Video, and Art Exhibit. It is through this project that WMSU takes active part in shedding light on the true beauty and diversity of Mindanao and showcase its rich heritage. By highlighting the region’s unique art, music, dance, and cuisine, the Project aims to challenge the negative stereotypes that have long plagued this region, thereby promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation for the people of Mindanao and their extraordinary way of life. With the ongoing development of the Coffee Table Book and Art Exhibit, the In-Situ Canvas Painting Contest was conducted, all entries of which will be showcased on the said Project to give recognition to the talented Mindanaoans and promote their work to the world.

Aside from highlighting the edifice of the College of Teacher Education in festivity of the anniversary of the University, this In-Situ Canvas Painting Contest also served as a tribute to the legendary late Zamboanga-based Tausug Mr. Rameer Tawasil who was an icon in the field of visual arts in Mindanao. Mr Tawasil, who graduated from WMSU College of Architecture in 1992, was also actively working with the Team on the project even on his final days despite his unfavorable medical condition. His contribution to the field of visual arts is very highly commendable, as he represented not only the Zamboangueños, but also all the Mindanaoans to the nation and all the Filipinos to the international arena; hence, he is worthy of this post-humous recognition.

In this worthwhile activity during the Foundation Day, WMSU “glides to guide the beaming faces upright!”