USM, DOST-NRCP Seal Partnership for Science-Based Banana Farming
February 26, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through its Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK), celebrated two important steps in preserving indigenous languages on February 23, 2026, at the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center (KEPLRC) in Kabacan, Cotabato. They advanced standardized writing systems for selected indigenous languages and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a new extension project.
Working with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, and Department of Education (DepEd) officials, the event focused on creating unified writing systems for the Manobo Dulangan, Obo Manobo, and Teduray languages.
An orthography is the official way a language is written. It sets the rules for spelling, symbols, and structure. For many indigenous communities, having a standard writing system is a big step. It allows their language to be taught in schools, used in research, published in books, and recognized in formal institutions. Participants joined discussions and workshops to fine-tune the rules for each language, showing the collaborative and community-based nature of the project.
Dr. Radji M. Macatabon, Director of the USM SWK, said the activity fulfilled a long-time goal. He emphasized that a clear writing system not only preserves the language but also empowers communities to use it in education and cultural life.
USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel reaffirmed the university’s institutional support for indigenous language preservation. “On behalf of the USM, kami ay sumusuporta sa alituntunin ng Komisyon [KWF] sa pag preserba ng lengwahe at kulutura ng mga Katutubong Filipino,” (On behalf of USM, we fully support the Commission’s guidelines in preserving the language and culture of Indigenous Filipinos) he said. He also expressed hope that indigenous languages would be integrated into everyday expressions, encouraging creative ways to promote their use.)
KWF Chairperson Atty. Marites Taran underscored the deeper significance of the initiative, stating, “Ang wika ay hindi lamang isang tool o instrument ng pag-aaral o pakikipagtalastasan, ito rin ang salamin ng ating identidad.” (Language is not merely a tool or instrument for learning or communication; it is also the mirror of our identity) She emphasized that strengthening indigenous languages is essential to inclusive development and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
KWF Commissioner Dr. Carmelita A. Abdulraman thanked USM for its ongoing support in preserving Filipino and indigenous languages.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the extension project called “Lakbay-Silid Aklatan: Paglalakbay ng Aklat, Wika, at Kultura Tungo sa Pamayamanan.” Led by the USM KEPLRC and SWK, in partnership with KWF and the DepEd divisions of Kidapawan City and Cotabato, the agreement commits to bringing more books, language materials, and cultural resources to indigenous communities.
After the ceremony, books were formally handed over to support ongoing language development in the region. This was followed by a workshop on orthography development, led by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), where participants discussed and refined the writing rules for each indigenous language.
The organizers said that both the orthography project and the Lakbay-Silid Aklatan partnership are important steps to protect indigenous languages in Mindanao, making sure they stay alive, documented, and actively used by future generations.
