USM Kicks Off 2026 Book Fair, Marks World Water, Engineering Day
March 3, 2026
KABACAN, COTABATO — To promote Filipino language and literature across the 17 municipalities of Cotabato Province by bringing essential reading materials directly to grassroots communities, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) – Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) and the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center (KEPLRC) officially launched “Lakbay Silid-Aklatan” on February 25, 2026.
The initiative was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the KEPLRC Building, signaling the start of a province-wide extension project.
The event was graced by officials from the university, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), and the Department of Education (DepEd) Cotabato, underscoring the high-level commitment to the project. The USM delegation was led by President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, alongside Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa, USM-SWK Director Dr. Radji M. Macatabon, KEPLRC Director Prof. Susan Martinez, and Director for Extension Services Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua. Representing the national commission were KWF Chairperson Atty. Marites Taran and Commissioner Dr. Carmelita A. Abdulraman, while the DepEd Cotabato Schools Division was represented by Ronela Molina, who attended on behalf of Schools Division Superintendent Miguel P. Fillalan, Jr., CESO V. The collective presence of these leaders highlighted the strategic alignment between national language policies and local educational initiatives.
Following the MOU signing, the extension project team is set to begin implementation across 17 national high schools (NHS), covering the municipalities of M’lang, Tulunan, Makilala, Pres. Roxas, Antipas, Arakan, Matalam, Kabacan, Carmen, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan, Alamada, and Banisilan, as well as Kidapawan City.
For Dr. Macatabon, targeting national high schools is a strategic move to curate a literary collection that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the province.
“We expect that after we complete the 17 national high schools, learners will create their own literary pieces. Makakagawa tayo ng collection of books and later on, may mabubuo rin tayong sanggunian. This is not just about giving books; we are looking forward to tangible outcomes,” Macatabon stated.
Through this province-wide rollout, “Lakbay Silid-Aklatan” transcends the traditional role of a library. It serves as a catalyst for regional intellectual growth, ensuring that the youth of Cotabato are not just consumers of knowledge but active participants in preserving and promoting the Filipino language.
