SOXARRDEC-SERDAC Formally Forge Collaboration through MOU Signing

The SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) formally forged its collaboration with the USM Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analysis Center (USM-SERDAC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing during the 1st Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council Meeting CY 2026, on March 3, 2026, at USMARDC Auditorium, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato.

Dr. Romiel John P. Basan, Center Head of USM-SERDAC, and Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele, Consortium Director, signed the MOU in the presence of Dr. Edwin T. Balaki, RRDCC Chairperson and Southern Christian College President, Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, RRDCC Vice Chairperson and PhilRice-Midsayap Experimental Station Branch Director, and the rest of the RRDCC members. The partnership formalizes collaborative efforts in joint research, socioeconomic studies, and data analytics initiatives supporting the agriculture, aquaculture, and natural resources sectors in SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM. Through this agreement, both institutions commit to strengthening evidence-based policy development, advancing data-driven research, and implementing capacity-building programs for researchers, faculty, extension workers, and community stakeholders.

This milestone strengthens a shared commitment to enhancing regional R&D coordination, improving research quality through socioeconomic analysis, and translating data into policies for sustainable development.