USM Student Earns Spot in Sakura Science Exchange Program in Japan Jose Pono Jr., a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics student at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), has qualified for the Sakura Science Exchange Program in Japan. Pono is one of only seven students selected from 15 candidates representing universities across Mindanao that offer BS Physics and BS Applied Physics programs. Following the interviews held on June 29, 2026, he officially became part of the program's Batch 2 Mindanao Cohort. The Sakura Science Exchange Program is a fully funded initiative that gives BS Physics and BS Applied Physics students from Philippine universities the opportunity to participate in hands-on physics experiments and academic exchange at Okayama University in Japan. Through the program, students gain valuable international learning experiences while expanding their knowledge in physics through laboratory activities and collaboration with researchers and fellow students. Pono is the second student from USM to qualify for the prestigious program. The first was Miles Angelo Sodejana, who completed the seven-day academic exchange at Okayama University in Japan. During his stay, Sodejana took part in various physics experiments and academic activities, gaining practical experience and international exposure.

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Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at July 1, 2026

Jose Pono Jr., a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics student at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), has qualified for the Sakura Science Exchange Program in Japan.

Pono is one of only seven students selected from 15 candidates representing universities across Mindanao that offer BS Physics and BS Applied Physics programs. Following the interviews held on June 29, 2026, he officially became part of the program’s Batch 2 Mindanao Cohort.

The Sakura Science Exchange Program is a fully funded initiative that gives BS Physics and BS Applied Physics students from Philippine universities the opportunity to participate in hands-on physics experiments and academic exchange at Okayama University in Japan. Through the program, students gain valuable international learning experiences while expanding their knowledge in physics through laboratory activities and collaboration with researchers and fellow students.

Pono is the second student from USM to qualify for the prestigious program. The first was Miles Angelo Sodejana, who completed the seven-day academic exchange at Okayama University in Japan. During his stay, Sodejana took part in various physics experiments and academic activities, gaining practical experience and international exposure.

Loynei Frias Sumalinog

Loy has a habit of buying books more often than actually reading them. Also, he sets reminder to only drink two cups of coffee in a day, and forgets it every time.