In 2014, there was no law providing for free tuition and other school fees in any state-run or local universities and colleges in the country. The birth of Makilala Institute and Technology (MIST) was a breakthrough in terms of service delivery, administration and government. Providing free tuition and other school fees to all students, this infant institution caught the eye and comments of the people upon learning of the said implementation.

The birth of MIST was conceived from the commitment of the local government administration to ensure development through education and manpower skills training. Its evolution as an institution was enshrined in the 2014 Executive Agenda to the Sangguniang Bayan. Acting on this on January 6, 2014, the Sangguniang passed the Resolution 84 – 2014, authorizing Mayor Rudy S. Caoagdan to coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office XII and facilitate the preparation of requirements for the establishment of a local tertiary institution in the municipality of Makilala.

In a meeting called for this purpose on January 17, 2014, Mayor Caoagdan announced to a group of DepEd supervisors, principals, teachers, and PTA officials the proposal to establish a local college which would offer free admission to all Makilaleños. His announcement gathered wide acceptance and support from all sectors.

From the said survey conducted among 1,000 graduating high school in Makilala, it was found out that 70-80 percent expressed uncertainty of pursuing a college education. The main reason is income deficiency.

In January 30, 2014, the mayor organized a team headed by Dr. Gloria Mudanza to take initial steps to advance the plan. The group met with Dr. Zohrahayda Panawidan, the OIC Chief Administrative Officer of CHEDRO XII. The purpose was to get information on the necessary documentary requirements to comply for the establishment of a college institution.

On March 31, 2014, the Sangguniang Bayan passed a milestone legislation through SB Resolution No. 159-2014, approving SB Ordinance No. 275-2014, providing for the establishment of the Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).

To accelerate the development of the said proposal, the local chief exerted parallel effort. Along with his other appointed staff, the group explored the possibility of pursuing a partnership venture through a consortium agreement with other established higher education institutions. Exploratory talks were conducted with the concerned officials of the University of Southern Mindanao – Kabacan, Cotabato; the University of Makati; and Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City. All institutions expressed willingness to pursue with the proposal.

On April 28, 2014, the team headed to the Commission on Higher Education-Regional Office XII to meet with Director Maximo Aljibe. The proposal was discussed with some degree of difficulty. Establishing a college institution was not that easy as everyone thought it would be. But there was no turning back on the proposal, as the timetable for its formal opening was already set in June 2014.

The passion of Mayor Caoagdan to secure the future of the youth through education was enough reason to get the commitment and support of Director Aljibe. In that particular encounter, the good CHED Director pledged support for MIST to secure the necessary permit to operate. Documentary requirements to support the application of the Permit to Operate were submitted on May 5, 2014, following directions in that encounter. The Regional Quality Assessment Team was scheduled to evaluate the readiness of the school to pursue operation. The assessment was a requirement prior to approval of the corresponding permit to operate of the school.

On May 7, 2014, the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQuAT), with the presence of Director Aljibe, conducted a site inspection, including the facilities of the proposed school. The evaluation rendered satisfactory compliance. MIST was given official approval to announce and accept enrollment for the first semester of school year 2014-2015. The following degree programs were approved for offering: Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Diploma in Agricultural Technology leading to Bachelor of Agriculture Technology.

The historic enrollment of first-year students for the above-mentioned program was launched on May 14, 2014. Screening and hiring of qualified teachers followed next and was scheduled on May 30.

In June 2, 2014, MIST had its first designated president in the person of Dr. Gerardo A. Rigonan. A five-day in-service training/workshop of 25 new teachers was conducted in Davao City on June 3-8. The participants had crafted the historic mission/vision/goals/objectives/core values and the school seal. It also drafted the six-year strategic plan of MIST.

Now on its fourth year of operation, MIST had gained the stature of a Higher Education Institution (HEI). Very significantly, MIST is among the 16 local universities and colleges recognized as HEI of the 121 established LUCs in the country.

This year MIST is expected to graduate no less than 300 hopefuls in their chosen degree program. This will be the first commencement exercise with bachelor’s degree conferment. This day will proclaim the future of these young people who almost lost their hope to see the brighter side of life.