Future Physicians Receive White Coats During USM College of Medicine Pinning Ceremony
May 8, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) recently participated in the launching of the Indigenous Women and Girls- Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project on May 7, 2026, at the Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City.
Project I-LEAD is an initiative led by the New Zealand government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The project aims to empower indigenous women in Mindanao through leadership training, economic opportunities, and enhanced governance of ancestral domains.
USM was represented by Extension Services Office (ESO) Director Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua, PhD, who participated in a collaborative meeting to establish the strategic roadmap for the I-LEAD project. Central to the discussion was the review and confirmation of the Regional Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (IATWG) Terms of Reference (TOR) and membership, the translation of the collaborative framework into a regional activity plan, and the identification of strategic pathways to formalize I-LEAD partnerships and collaborations.
The project launching was attended by New Zealand Ambassador H.E. Catherine McIntosh, UNDP Philippines Representative Mr. Christophe Bahuet, NCIP Chairperson Secretary Nancy Catamco, Provincial Governors Hon. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza (Cotabato) and Hon. Rogelio Pacquiao (Sarangani), and various partner agency representatives.
As the project moves forward to Phase 2, USM has been identified as a member of the Region XII IATWG. Through this partnership, USM commits not only to working hand in hand with stakeholders and IP leaders under the I-LEAD Project but also to furthering its initiatives through research and extension projects for IP communities. These efforts reflect USM’s dedication to the holistic development of its indigenous partner beneficiaries in Mindanao.
Photo Courtesy: Kanakan Pakibatu
