MSU-Main as Heterotopia: Perspectives and Memories of Retired Meranaw Employees

Abstract

This study examines Mindanao State University-Main Campus at Marawi through the lens of Foucault's concept of heterotopia, exploring its role as a unique academia within the complex socio-political landscape of the Bangsamoro region. A mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, ethnographic interviews, and autoethnographic reflection, was used to investigate the experiences of retired Meranaw employees and the campus as an emplacement. The study reveals MSU-Main as a multifaceted heterotopic space, simultaneously embodying characteristics of both crisis and deviance heterotopias. It originally functioned as an apparatus of the Philippine Government while serving as a 'social laboratory' for cultural integration. Findings indicate its complex feature as an apparatus of power, as a socio-economic base, with a striking ethnopolitical characteristic, and a tendency to mirror the socio-cultural expectations of its location. Its characteristic as physical territory is shaped by the resistance of indigeneity over the constitutionality of land ownership. It uncovers tensions between the university's mandate for diversity and recent demographic shifts and its perception as a symbol of state power during periods of conflict. Despite challenges, the research reveals MSU-Main as a site of intercultural harmony and mutual support, particularly evident during times of crisis. This study contributes to the understanding of educational institutions in post-colonial contexts, offering insights into the role of universities in shaping cultural identities and navigating complex power dynamics. It provides a foundation for future research on the long-term effects of heterotopic educational spaces and their potential to foster inclusive, culturally sensitive learning environments.