USM IP Students, Communities in Cotabato Province, Davao City Jointly Celebrate IP Month thru Cultural Festival
October 26, 2026
SARANGANI PROVINCE — The Extension Services Office (ESO) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), together with the South Cotabato Provincial Youth Development Office (SCPYDO) and the South Cotabato Youth Volunteers Organization (SCYVO), spearheaded the second wave of relief operations in Sarangani Province on October 24, 2026.
A total of 287 food packs containing rice and condiments were turned over to earthquake survivors in Brgy. Poblacion, Malapatan, and Brgy. Batulaki, Glan. Additionally, 272 sets of school supplies, containing coloring books, notebooks, crayons, writing paper, and pencils, were given to child beneficiaries in the selected areas.
To ensure the organized distribution of resources, the team coordinated with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and the Barangay Council of Batulaki, headed by Brgy. Chairman Christopher S. Talangin. In his message, Hon. Chairman Talangin expressed his gratitude for the unified effort of the collaborating institutions, saying, “Kabalo man ta nga isa kini nga effort sa USM ug sa South Cotabato maong nagapasalamat mi kay kung wala mo, wala-wala pud mi diri. Unta sa inyong tabang, makahatag pud nig kalipay sa mga tao diri sa amoa. Daghan kaayong salamat.”
As the distribution concluded, ESO Director Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua addressed the beneficiaries and emphasized the purpose of the initiative.
“Magandang tanghali po sa ating lahat. Masayang-masaya po kami kasi finally nandito na po kami. Gusto ko lang po na malaman ninyo na ang initiative na ito ay part ng aming social responsibility as a university. Bukod diyan, gusto lang din po namin na malaman ninyo na sa USM, pina-prioritize namin ang mga kagaya ninyong mga IPs na gustong mag-aral. Mayroon pa kaming mga grants na lubos na makatutulong sa inyo sa pag-abot ng inyong mga pangarap sa buhay,” she concluded.
The relief operation was made possible through the collective efforts of the partnering institutions and the capacitated volunteers who facilitated the collection, distribution, and documentation of the proceedings. Strategically targeting beneficiaries based on the office’s previous extension projects in the area and the community’s limited access to relief resources due to its remote location underscored ESO’s unwavering commitment to inclusive outreach efforts, providing vital humanitarian aid to families recovering from disasters.
