USM-ULS Archer Sets Historic Record, Wins at Palarong Pambansa 2025
June 16, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the USM Pigcawayan, on June 11, 2025 at the Municipality of Pigcawayan, Cotabato.
Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Engr. Renel Alucilja, Director for Planning and Development Office(PDO), Dr. Manuel Tayong, Dean of College of Trades and Industries (CTI), professors and personnel from USM joined the ceremony.
Meanwhile, First District Representative of the Cotabato Province, Hon. Edwin L. Cruzado, Mayor Juanito “Totoy” Agustin, Vice Mayor Niel Jake V. Casi, Municipal Administrator Dr. Silvino Q. Tejada, TESDA Cot. Province Administrator Mr. Antonio L. Distor Jr., Sangguniang Bayan Members, local government leaders, and community stakeholders were present in the event.
Mayor Agustin expressed his deep gratitude to USM for supporting the municipality’s long-standing aspiration to provide accessible higher education to its residents.
“Matagal na naming pinangarap at pinaghirapan ito. At ngayon, nakikita na namin ang pupwedeng marating ng mga kabataan… Isipin niyo, makakapag-aral na sa malapit ang mga anak namin, hindi na tayo mamomroblema,” he said.
He assured full community support to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasizing that USM Pigcawayan aims to bring education closer to those who previously had to travel far to access colleges and universities.
Moreover, Dr. Tandog, delivered the message of USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel. She emphasized the university’s commitment to delivering quality education to underserved areas like Pigcawayan.
“We believe in the potential of Pigcawayan. This partnership is a way for USM to bring quality education to communities that need it the most,” she said.
She also reminded the administration of its responsibility in sustaining the project, saying, “Kasi ano na lang mangyayari sa paaralan kung mag-stop?” She further shared the university’s vision for USM Pigcawayan to eventually become an independent, autonomous campus.
Also, Cong. Cruzado expressed strong support for the university’s expansion.
“We are no longer importing professionals from other countries, because we already have our own engineers, doctors, scientists, educators, and more… I will do my best to support the university,” he affirmed.
Further, Mr. Distor, of the TESDA Cotabato Provincial Center, shared that TESDA will initially offer classrooms for USM Pigcawayan programs. He also announced free skills assessment for all USM Pigcawayan students and shared plans to make TESDA Pigcawayan’s facilities available to support the campus.He also extended his thanks to Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza for her continued support of education and workforce development in the province.
Aside from giving gratitude to the present administration, the contributions of Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia, former USM President, were also acknowledged for his pivotal role in facilitating the collaboration between USM and the Pigcawayan local government.
Following the MOA signing, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future campus site in Midpapan I, Pigcawayan, Cotabato.
With limited access to higher education in Pigcawayan and neighboring municipalities due to the distance from major colleges and universities, the establishment of USM Pigcawayan is seen as a major step toward making tertiary education more accessible to local students.
The MOA signing and groundbreaking ceremony mark as the formalization of a promising partnership between USM and LGU-Pigcawayan in bringing expanded educational opportunities to the region.
