USM Opens Procurement Dialogue with Suppliers, Contractors
September 29, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) recognized employees, researchers, academic programs, and university units during the Araw ng Parangal on September 29, 2026 at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The awards were given under five categories: Gawad Pamumuno, Special Awards, Gawad Karunungan, Ulirang Kawani, and Ulirang Sangay.
Former members of the USM Board of Regents Dr. Jeffrey A. Esparagoza, Mary Adeline L. Sagayno, Engr. Phlorita C. Ridao, Dr. Siegfred Keene J. Macapas, and Engr. Sammy P. Malawan received the Gawad Pamimuno.
Special Awards were given to academic units recognized for their performance in licensure examinations. These included the Department of Criminal Justice Education, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Bachelor of Secondary Education of USM-Kidapawan City Campus.
Academic programs that earned Level IV accreditation were also recognized. These included the Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science majors in Animal Science, Crop Protection, and Crop Production and Management, and the Bachelor of Science programs in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
Under Gawad Karunungan, faculty members who were recognized for their contributions to the body of knowledge, international awards, and academic excellence were Ruben L. Tagare Jr., Jan Clyden B. Tenorio, Marcelo C. Calabit, Wendee M. Concepcion, Jalaloden B. Marohom, Fredelino A. Galleto Jr., Khan L. Junatas, Jurhamid C. Imlan, Tammie C. Solpot, Rowell P. Nitafan, and Maricel G. Dayaday.
The Ulirang Kawani awards commended employees from administrative, technical, academic, research, and extension services.Among those commended were Camaludin K. Pedtamanan for security services; Rogelio Magoncia for electrical and welding services; Bert K. Dandayog for transport, vehicle, and equipment operation services; Darwin D. Galas for technical laboratory and auxiliary support services; Xenia P. Lanoy for administrative assistance; and Erlyn R. Perocho for administrative officer services.
Eugene Mars H. Abril was awarded recognition for project planning, development and maintenance services, Genevieve P. Catulong for library and museum services, Roanne T. Osis for health and medical support services, Kierwen N. Magoncia for student guidance, admission, and records services, and Allan M. Singayao for admission and records services.
Emily T. Montero was named the Outstanding Administrative Supervisor under the Director category, while Mylin C. Prado received the same award under the unit head category. Maricel G. Dayaday was recognized as the Outstanding Academic Supervisor, while Susan S. Martinez was named Outstanding Support Services Supervisor, and Lydia C. Pascual received the award as Outstanding Technical/Professional Services Supervisor.
In the academic and research categories, Gideon S. Sumayo was named Outstanding Instructor; Jovelyn F. Gesulga, Outstanding Assistant Professor; Cherie C. Mangaoang, Outstanding Associate Professor and Outstanding Extensionist; Ronielyn F. Pinsoy, Outstanding Professor; and Tammie C. Solpot, Outstanding Faculty Researcher.
The Graduate School was named Outstanding Academic Unit under Ulirang Sangay, while the University Quality Assurance Office was recognized as Outstanding Administrative Unit and the Kundo E. Pahn Learning Resource Center as Outstanding Support Unit.
The research project “Commercialization of Chevon Food Products and Standardization of Processing Center” and the extension project “Bio-nihan para sa Kalikasan in Columbio: Promoting Holistic Biodiversity Conservation through Community Partnership” were also recognized.
In a message delivered by Board Member Joemar S. Cerebo on behalf of Cotabato Governor Hon. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, the provincial government acknowledged the contributions of USM employees and partners to the University and the province.
“Your contributions whether in instruction, research, extension, production, administration or partnership are invaluable,” he said.
The message also noted USM’s role in the province, saying, “You have not just built a University, you help build our province.”
Meanwhile, Vice President for Administration and Finance Quenielyn L. Durendes introduced the members of the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee.
The Araw ng Parangal was held as part of USM’s 2026 Founding Anniversary celebration, to honor employees and units for their contribution to the University.
