RDE Offices Named Outstanding in 2025 Client Satisfaction Survey
May 19, 2026
MAGPET, COTABATO— In a continuous effort to support the Obo Manovo community through sustainable development initiatives, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Extension Services Office (ESO) conducted a specialized Language and Identity Development Workshop on May 15, 2026, at Barangay Bongolanon, Magpet, Cotabato.
The activity forms part of Component 4 of the extension project “Harnessing Efforts for Recovery Operations (HERO),” which focuses on mapping social relationships and analyzing the linguistic dynamics within the Bongolanon communities. As the workshop commenced, Component Leader Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbano underscored the critical role of intergenerational transmission in keeping indigenous cultural heritage alive.
“Kapag hindi po natin naipasa sa mga anak natin kung papaano tayo magsalita, mamamatay ang ating language,” she emphasized.
The training featured a comprehensive series of discussions, covering vital topics such as Philippine Language Vitality, Language Ecology, and Language Repertoire. These concepts were applied through interactive workshops where participants plotted Bongolanon’s historical timeline and mapped out local natural resources, social networks, and community language dynamics.
“Dito sa communities namin, makikita naman na maraming falls, tiger grass, at paniyas… Sa pagsasalita naman, nagsasalita kami ng Manovo at Bisaya, minsan naman English at Tagalog kapag may turista,” shared participant Martin C. Bayan during the presentation of outputs.
The workshop concluded with the project team identifying grassroots challenges in preserving and protecting the cultural identity of the Obo Manovo. These findings will serve as a baseline for crafting sustainable interventions aimed at safeguarding ancestral heritage and fostering inclusive community development.
Component leader Dr. Magbanua sealed the activity by reminding the participants that true heritage preservation begins from within, highlighting that the ultimate success and long-term sustainability of the project rest on the community’s active ownership.
“Ang pagpapahalaga at pagpe-preserba ng kayamanan ng Bongolanon ay wala po sa amin, kundi nasa inyong mga kamay,” Dr. Magbanua stated.
As the HERO Project nears its completion, vital technical assets—including a Tahiti Depollinator and structured literacy materials—will be officially turned over to the community to help generate alternative livelihood streams. This transition solidifies USM’s enduring commitment to empowering indigenous communities through impactful extension services and sustainable grassroots partnerships.
