USM Wraps Up Unilympics 2026
May 21, 2026
USM Holds Disc Golf Seminar, Skills Clinic
May 22, 2026
From identifying everyday problems to proposing concrete solutions, students of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Department of Political Science proved that policy-making goes beyond theories and classroom discussions during the first-ever DISKURSO LAB: Designing and Pitching Public Policy Solutions held on May 20, 2026, at the University Laboratory School- Convention Hall, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
A series of lectures and workshops focused on public policy, governance, and policy formulation transpired in the activity.
Prof. Neil Ryan P. Pancho from the Political Science and History Department of Ateneo de Davao University served as the resource speaker for the event.
During the workshop session, students collaborated in groups and formulated policy recommendations grounded in research and public sector analysis. The presentations addressed issues related to national and local concerns, such as transportation, poverty alleviation, and academic efficiency, reflecting the students’ ability to translate identified societal concerns into policy-oriented solutions.
Among the winning policy proposals was the “PARA Framework: Passenger Access and Road Accountability,” which focused on transportation concerns within the Municipality of Kabacan. Another winning entry proposed reforms to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through the integration of livelihood initiatives, financial literacy, monitoring systems, and human capital development measures.
The Best Policy Presenter award was granted to the group behind the proposal titled “SMART Curriculum: Streamlining Minor Subjects for Academic Relevance and Time Efficiency.”
Assoc. Prof. Ernesto Buenaventura Jr., chairperson of the Department of Political Science, emphasized the significance of the initiative in preparing students for future roles in governance and policy development.
“DISKURSO LAB is more than an academic exercise; it is a training ground for future policy-makers, researchers, and leaders who can craft responsive and evidence-based solutions for society,” Buenaventura stated.
The activity forms part of the department’s continuing efforts to strengthen students’ competencies in research, analysis, and policy-making while encouraging critical engagement with contemporary governance issues.
Organized through the initiative of the department faculty members and the USM Political Science Society, the activity was spearheaded by Mr. John Ryan F. Fernandez, MAPS(c).
