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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) gathered higher education institutions (HEIs) from different parts of Mindanao for the Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Namli Plang Invitational Games on September 26, 2026, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato, as part of the university’s week-long Founding Anniversary celebration.
Representatives from Davao Oriental State University, Cotabato State University, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, Sultan Kudarat State University, and Davao del Sur State College joined the friendship games featuring pickleball, disc golf, and basketball.
Also present were Dr. Che Abdulshaik F. Plang, grandson of USM founder Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Namli Plang, and Christian Fernando, Mindanao Coordinator for Disc Golf and the Philippines’ No. 1-ranked disc golf player.
Vice President for Resource Generation and Entrepreneurial Services Dr. Samsudin S. Panday said the invitational games marked the first time USM invited HEIs from outside Region XII to participate in its sports activities.
“This is the first time that the university invited [participants] from outside Region XII,” Dr. Panday said, adding that the event allowed participating institutions to meet and build connections through sports.
During the event, USM presented Dr. Plang with a Citation of Gratitude for his contribution to bringing disc golf to the university.
USM is also the second state university in the Philippines to accept disc golf as a sport.
Following the games, the participating athletes and representatives gathered for a Mayor’s Night hosted by the Local Government Unit of Kabacan through Mayor Hon. Evangeline Guzman, where the delegates enjoyed an evening together after the day’s competitions.
