USM Kicks Off 91st National Book Week with Iskolastorya Book Talk Featuring Faculty Authors
November 5, 2025
SINGAPORE — October 24, 2025. After several days of immersive learning, exploration, and workshops in Singapore, the delegates from the Province of Cotabato, including researchers from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), gathered at CityHub Collyer Quay, Level 23, for the culmination of their educational and innovation immersion a Business Pitch Presentation designed to harness their entrepreneurial mindset and creativity.
The activity served as the final highlight of the five-day Educational Visit and Cultural & Innovation Immersion, where participants showcased innovative business ideas inspired by Singapore’s models of technology, sustainability, and smart development. Each group presented their pitch decks, integrating lessons from the institutions they visited, including Republic Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Gallery.
This hands-on exercise aimed to strengthen their strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, fostering their potential as future innovators and leaders of Cotabato.
Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray, who accompanied the delegates throughout the immersion, encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge they acquired in helping advance local industries and communities.
“What we have learned here in Singapore is not only about innovation but also about vision — to bring transformation back home,” the Vice Governor remarked during her message at the closing session.
Meanwhile, Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza extended her heartfelt congratulations to the delegates for successfully completing the program. She expressed her gratitude to the Singaporean institutions for opening their doors to Cotabato’s young leaders, emphasizing that such opportunities embody her administration’s commitment to empowering youth through education, innovation, and the spirit of ‘Serbisyong Totoo.’
After five days of discovery and learning, the ten young Cotabateño delegates returned home on October 25, 2025, carrying with them newfound inspiration and commitment to translate their Singapore experience into local actions that support agricultural advancement, innovation, and sustainable development.
“Daladala namin ang mga karanasan at kaalaman mula sa Singapore. Isa itong bihirang pagkakataon na nagbukas ng aming pananaw sa inobasyon at liderato,” one of the delegates shared.
The Singapore Educational Visit and Cultural & Innovation Immersion proved to be a transformative journey one that not only honed their academic and leadership skills but also strengthened their purpose as ambassadors of progress for the Province of Cotabato.
Credit to: John Rey I. Alejo
