“A Future Filled With Promise, Pride, and Purpose,” Pimentel Affirms in First SUA as 8th USM President

Anticipation turned into inspiration as Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the 8th president of the University of Southern Mindanao, delivered his first State of the University Address on September 29, 2025 at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. His message carried both strength and warmth: USM’s future is one of promise, pride, and purpose.

Pimentel reminded the community that his address was not about numbers alone, but about the people behind them. He honored the pioneering 34 graduates of the College of Medicine, calling them “a beacon of hope for communities in need,” and praised the 100% passing rates in Criminology, Midwifery, and Engineering as proof that USM students can stand alongside the nation’s best.

He also reported on academic growth, where he mentioned that all 44 undergraduate programs now hold Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), while new programs in Radiologic Technology, Social Work, and Culture and Arts Education expand opportunities for students. The creation of the College of Kinetics further strengthens USM’s reputation in sports and human development.

His presentation also emphasized research and innovation. With ₱36.5 million in external funding, more than 30 publications in international journals, and student projects like Chloromeds gaining national recognition, USM continues to show that its discoveries reach beyond its campuses and contribute to national development.

Moreover, extension programs reached more than 1,300 beneficiaries and mobilized nearly 500 volunteers. “Service is not confined to classrooms; it is the heartbeat of USM,” Pimentel said, stressing that true education changes lives outside campus walls.

Also, he discussed the entrepreneurial services generated from November 2024 to August 2025, gaining ₱58 million, with the USM Hospital as the top contributor. On the global stage, USM gained recognition in the World University Rankings for Innovation—50th in Crisis Management and 61st in Student Mobility.

Further, new laboratories, classrooms, and student facilities are rising across campuses, creating spaces that reflect the university’s ambitions and prepare it for greater challenges ahead.

Pimentel closed with a message both personal and powerful: “This is not about achievements—it is about people, dreams, and the future we are building together.”

His first SUA, delivered on his 288th day as president, underscored USM’s focus on education, innovation, service, resource generation, global ties, and infrastructure. It was a defining moment that affirmed the university’s strength, its direction, and its determination to move forward with pride.