USMARDC, PICRI Jointly Commemorate Anniversaries; CVM Extends Veterinary Services
January 29, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC) and the Philippine Industrial Crops Research Institute (PICRI) honored pioneer researchers and personnel during its joint anniversary celebration on January 28, 2026 at the USMARDC Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The event marked the golden year of USMARDC and the 40th anniversary of PICRI, bringing together former directors, researchers, secretaries, and support staff who served during the formative years of the two institutions.
Further, the celebration recognized the dedication and service of former directors, researchers, secretaries, and support staff who helped shape the growth and success of the two organizations in their early years. Among those acknowledged were the pioneer leaders and personnel who helped establish the operations and research programs that continue to support agricultural development in Southern Mindanao.
One of the awardees, Eleanor L. Retales, the first secretary of USMARDC, said the recognition brought back memories of her time at the center. “Working here made me more meticulous and disciplined, every detail mattered, and I learned so much from the researchers around me,” Retales said.
Retales also expressed her appreciation for the recognition, saying she did not expect to be included among the awardees. Seeing former colleagues during the celebration, she said, brought back memories of their shared efforts during the early years of the institution.
“Fifty years is really a long, long journey. But I saw the growth, the development, and the people. I really appreciate the laboratories. Because back then, we just live by what was given by PCAARRD… Congratulations USMARDC and PICRI for this milestone,” she added.
USMARDC, the research arm of USM, was established in 1976 as the Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research Center and reorganized in 1989. PICRI, created in 1986, focuses on research and development of high-value industrial crops.
The celebration served as a heartfelt tribute to the pioneers whose dedication and leadership laid the foundation for the sustained growth and accomplishments of both institutions. Their years of service continue to guide the present direction and future initiatives of USMARDC and PICRI.
Below is the list of USMARDC and PICRI Directors throughout the years:
USMARDC Directors
- Dr. Jaman S. Imlan – January 1976 to January 1988
- Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona – February 1988 to November 1988
- Dr. Kundo E. Pahm – November 1988 to April 1994
- Dr. Eugene A. Alcala – April 1995 to May 1995
- Dr. Demetrio V. Oria – May 1995 to April 1998
- Dr. Lydia P. Oliva – June 1998 to January 2001
- Dr. Hersie C. Nicor – February 2001 to May 2009
- Dr. Ariston D. Calvo – May 2009 to December 2011
- Dr. Romulo L. Cena – January 2012 to July 2019
- Dr. Efren E. Magulama – August 2019 to March 2024
- Dr. Jurhamid C. Imlan – April 2024 to present
PICRI Directors
- Dr. Jaman S. Imlan – February 1986 to January 1988
- Dr. Kundo E. Pahm – November 1988 to April 1994
- Dr. Virgilio G. Oliva – 1994 to 1999
- Prof. Reynaldo S. Callano – 2004 to 2008
- Dr. Baudilla S. Calvo – August 2008 to June 2009
- Dr. Romulo L. Cena – July 2009 to April 2014
- Dr. Baudilla S. Calvo – May 2014 to 2015
- Prof. Harem R. Roca – 2016 to 2019
- Dr. Samsudin S. Panday – August 2019 to April 2021
- Dr. Abubakar A. Murray – May 2021 to December 2024
- Dr. Tamie Solpot – March 2025 to present
