USM-CA AND ASSESSMENT CENTER OFFERS FIVE TESDA-REGISTERED PROGRAMS
January 19, 2026
KABACAN, Cotabato — The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hosted representatives from the Kutawato Institute of Technology Foundation Inc. (KITFI) for a benchmarking visit on January 15, 2026, at the Extension Services Office (ESO) Conference Room. The visit focused on the planned operationalization of KITFI’s higher education services, specifically the launch of flagship programs designed to expand academic opportunities in Cotabato City.
USM Planning Development Officer Jean E. Austria and ESO Director Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua met with the delegation to chart the strategic direction of the partnership. USM will oversee the creation of a comprehensive development and strategic plan and facilitate capacity-building training to prepare KITFI instructors for the transition into higher education.
The KITFI delegation, led by President Samuel G. Jaugan, sought USM’s mentorship due to the university’s established reputation in agriculture and technical-vocational education. This partnership aims to fast-track KITFI’s institutional upgrades.
“We have been looking forward to partnering with USM because of your excellence in agriculture and TechVoc programs,” Jaugan noted. “As KITFI ventures into higher education, we want to tap your expertise especially for our future instructors, to maximize the use of our existing facilities.”
In response, ESO Director Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua affirmed USM’s support, assuring that both parties will benefit from the partnership once a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is finalized.
“USM is prepared to provide the support needed for this relaunch. Once our MOA is in place, we look forward to a partnership that is truly beneficial for both USM and KITFI,” she stated.
The collaboration serves as a strategic milestone, allowing USM to expand its role as a premier mentoring university while providing KITFI with a solid framework for academic excellence. Ultimately, the partnership promises to strengthen the educational landscape of Mindanao through shared resources and institutional support.
