USM Reaffirms Commitment to NFA Region XII
May 13, 2025
Davao del Sur State College Benchmarks USM’s Print-on-Demand System
May 14, 2025
Kabacan, Cotabato— The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Biotechnology Unit welcomed Mr. Reynand Tolentino, a BS Argi-Plant Pathology alumnus from Temporan, Magpet, Cotabato, for a benchmarking visit on banana tissue culture, on May 9, 2025.
With guidance from Ms. Alemer G. Cabantug of the Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory. Mr. Tolentino observed key laboratory procedures as part of his plan to establish a similar facility in Magpet.
This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for banana planting materials in Cotabato Province. Currently, local farmers depend on supplies from Davao City, which poses logistical and financial challenges. By setting up a local lab, Tolentino hopes to provide farmers with a more accessible and cost-efficient source of planting materials.
“This benchmarking is the first step. We want to learn the principles and processes behind banana tissue culture. The next step will be continued learning and eventually starting our operations,” Tolentino said.
The visit underscores USM’s commitment to agricultural development and its support for community-driven innovations in the region.
