Enrollment Schedule and Start of Classes 2nd Semester, A.Y. 2025-2026
December 16, 2025
USM-ESO, CBDEM Launch Component III of HERO Project; Equip 18 Obo-Manobo with Entrepreneurial Skills
December 16, 2025
MAKILALA, COTABATO – To continue the mission of the Unibersidad at Kumunidad (UniK) Project by providing sustainable and holistic support to the displaced Indigenous People (IP) community in San Vicente, experts from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM)-College of Business, Development, Economics, and Management (CBDEM) took part in the “Crafting the Future: Protecting Heritage by Promoting Locally-Made Products” seminar-workshop on November 27, 2025.
The one-day activity was under Component 3 of the UniK project, which aimed at equipping women with business skills and strategies. It directly aligned with the goal of livelihood development by helping the community create and sell their local products.
In her welcome remarks, project leader Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua emphasized the importance of strengthening the participants’ business mindset and gaining deeper knowledge in entrepreneurship.
”Ngayong araw po, ang mga topics na ituturo sa inyo ay patungkol sa business. Narito po ang mga experts mula sa CBDEM upang patatagin ang ating mindset sa business kaya’t napakahalaga ng seminar na ito para magkaroon kayo ng mas malalim na kaalaman sa pagnenegosyo,” she said.
The seminar-workshop featured a distinguished roster of experts who shared their valuable insights and expertise: Prof. Analyn A. Gonzales (Entrepreneurial Mindset); Prof. Cheryl Y. Dulay (Strategic Product Positioning and Branding); Prof. Lotis D. Cubin (Business Plan); Prof. Sandra Angela A. Bangcaya (Costing); and Prof. Allen Shane C. Garcia (Budget Management).
During the lecture session, Prof. Dulay highlighted the importance of utilizing available community resources and adopting the zero-waste method in product development, stating: “Nakita kong may mga plastic bottles kayo dito sa kanal. So, pwede natin ‘yang magamit lalo na sa paggawa ng mga flower pots. Dapat maging creative tayo at think outside the box. For example, magluluto tayo ng banana chips, importante din na ‘yung mga balat ng mga saging, ay gamitin natin bilang fertilizers dahil mapapakinabangan lahat ‘yan.”
The program culminated with the distribution of certificates to the participants and resource speakers. This was followed by a closing message from project leader Magbanua, sealing the event with an assurance that the participants will be receiving sewing machines—an essential tool not just for product development, but also a symbol of cultural preservation.
”Ang good news po ay dumating na po ang inyong mga makina. Makakaasa po kayong sa susunod na pagbalik namin dito ay makakatanggap kayo ng sewing machines mula sa USM at sa tingin ko, pagkatapos niyan ay maaari na po tayong magkaroon ng training sa paggawa ng patterns,” she said.
Driven by the support of its partners and university experts, the UniK Project strives to empower the Bagobo-Tagabawa community through activities, focusing on health, skills development, arts and crafts, agriculture, and literacy. Through the UniK Project 3, USM not only aims for entrepreneurial establishment but also strongly affirms its commitment to holistic support and the lasting preservation of the Indigenous People’s rich cultural identity.
