USM Produces Four New Professional Food Technologists
August 19, 2026
To set the implementation timeline of Project I-LEAD (Indigenous Women and Girls—Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains), the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XII convened on August 17, 2026, at the Extension Services Office (ESO) TC Room.
The meeting centered on tracking the project’s progress, reviewing initial commitments, and drafting a Memorandum of Cooperation. Led by UNDP officer Ms. Elizabeth Laurico, the team was first oriented on the initial proceedings conducted so far, including previous meetings and preliminary field consultations with target Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
“Since this is a 5-year project, we are trying to organize everything para naman maayos ang implementation natin later on. After this meeting, pupuntahan din namin ‘yung ibang partners natin,” said Ms. Laurico.
The collaborating team also explored areas of partnership, such as the implementation of feasibility studies for potential enterprises, scientific research on local resources for economic value, and capacity-building trainings to strengthen local leadership. Representing USM, ESO Director Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua presented a research proposal to reassure the university’s commitment as an institutional partner of the project. The meeting concluded with the team crafting a Memorandum of Cooperation to ensure seamless inter-agency coordination and a smooth, culturally sensitive project rollout across Region XII.
Project I-LEAD is a flagship initiative funded by the New Zealand Government and implemented by UNDP in partnership with NCIP to empower indigenous women and girls across Mindanao. With USM being one of the members of the Region XII Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (RIATWG), the university strengthens institutional ties to drive research-backed community development, local enterprise growth, and gender empowerment.
