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University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Jonald L. Pimentel, PhD, called on faculty members and university personnel to protect students’ dignity, safety, and mental well-being during the Monday convocation on October 19 at the University Administration Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Pres. Pimentel reminded employees that their responsibility extends beyond teaching. It also means understanding the challenges students face and ensuring that they feel respected and supported as they learn and grow.
“Our students are entrusted to us. We have a responsibility to take care of them, not only academically, but also as young people who are still learning, growing, and dealing with their own struggles,” he said.
The president also urged employees to be mindful of their words and actions, stressing that words must build students and not break them.
“We can be firm. We can demand discipline. We can correct mistakes. We can expect excellence. But we must always do these things with respect for the dignity of our students”, he emphasized.
Pimentel further stressed that students should feel comfortable seeking help from university personnel, especially when facing difficulties. He said their concerns should be taken seriously and their well-being given due attention.
“Their safety matters, their dignity matters, their mental well-being matters, their future matters,” he said.
He also pointed out that looking after students is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). Every member of the university community, he said, has a part to play in making students feel safe and respected through their everyday words and actions.
Sponsored by DA-PCC, the convocation provided an opportunity for the president to discuss both employee responsibilities and research opportunities while underscoring the university’s duty to care for its students.
Apart from student welfare, Pimentel encouraged faculty members, particularly those in animal science, animal nutrition, and related fields, to make the most of research opportunities under the university’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). He noted that the partnership could help faculty members produce research outputs and publications that would benefit communities.
Pimentel urged employees to put this responsibility into practice in their daily work, reminding the USM community that caring for students must be reflected not only in words but also in actions.
He ended his message with “USM cares”.
