USM Opens New Alumni Building
June 22, 2026
KABACAN, COTABATO — In line with the University of Southern Mindanao’s (USM) continued efforts to mainstream volunteerism into its mandated institutional functions, the Extension Services Office (ESO) participated in the International Year of Volunteers (IVY) 2026 Celebrations Forum for SOCCSKSARGEN on June 22 via a Zoom meeting.
Representing the university, ESO Director Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua highlighted USM’s diverse volunteerism portfolio, ranging from immediate humanitarian response to the strategic mobilization of academic and technical expertise.
“Volunteerism in our university is not simply an extracurricular activity; it is a fundamental element of our corporate social responsibility and institutional identity,” Director Magbanua emphasized. She discussed in detail the core dimensions of USM’s community engagements, which encompass capacity building, animal welfare, health missions, livelihood development, literacy drives, clean-up operations, and disaster relief.
Director Magbanua also underscored the university’s ongoing initiatives to institutionalize its volunteerism program, noting that these efforts are anchored on formal policy frameworks, structured recognition systems, and dedicated resource commitments.
“We are calling on our students and volunteers to share your time and lead initiatives for the communities. You can also partner with us to make our collaborative volunteerism efforts even more productive,” she stated in her concluding remarks.
The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development Forum for SOCCSKSARGEN is a regional platform that brings together volunteers, youth leaders, educators, and civil society organizations. Organized by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), the forum provides an opportunity for partner institutions to showcase their community-based initiatives, exchange best practices, and collaborate on sustainable solutions to local challenges.
USM’s active participation in the forum reaffirms its strategic role as the designated Provincial Volunteerism Hub in Region XII. Through sustained outreach, relief operations, and community extension programs, the university continues to provide a dynamic platform for students, faculty, and staff to actively engage in meaningful public service and foster long-term community development.
