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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) SOCCSKSARGEN Region consulted regional stakeholders on October 30, 2026, to discuss how SOCCSKSARGEN can strengthen its position as an agro-industrial center and agri-eco-cultural tourism hub in Southern Philippines. The consultation workshop was held at Café Martina, USM, in Kabacan, Cotabato.
Organized by the USM Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) in partnership with DEPDev SOCCSKSARGEN, the workshop featured the initial findings of the study, “Benchmarking SOCCSKSARGEN’s Transition Towards an Agro-Industrial Center and Agri-Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub of Southern Philippines.”
USM President Jonald L. Pimentel reaffirmed the university’s support for the initiative, while project leader Dr. Romiel John P. Basan discussed the study’s background, scope, methodology, and benchmark sites and cases.
Dr. Roy B. Gacus presented the findings on the agro-industrial component, while Dr. Meldred Samblaceño discussed the agri-eco-cultural tourism component. Dr. Basan also shared the proposed S-O-X recommendations drawn from the study.
During the workshop, stakeholders shared their observations, pointed out areas that need further work, and offered recommendations for the next stages of the project.
The recommendations will be considered in refining the roadmap to reflect the region’s development needs and priorities.
In a Facebook post, USM Satellite SERDAC thanked the partner institutions and stakeholders who took part in the consultation and shared their views on the proposed development directions.
The consultation followed the project team’s benchmarking visit to Thailand in August, where members examined development practices that could be adapted to SOCCSKSARGEN.
