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The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) recognized outstanding students and organizations in different categories during the 27th Gawad Parangal at the University Auditorium, on May 21, 2026.
Hon. Rochella Marie Taray, the Vice Governor of the Province of Cotabato, served as the guest of honor and speaker. Ms. Mary Adeline Sagayno, the student regent of USM, represented Hon. Taray. In her message, she encouraged the students to be optimistic and never quit.
“Many successful people are not simply gifted; they just refuse to quit,” she underscored.
She also talked about the importance of being kind and human.
“Our value is not only measured by the awards we receive but by the kindness of a person you become. People may forget our titles and achievements, but they will always remember how you treated others and how you made a difference,” she highlighted.
“Sometimes, growth happens quietly, and the strongest leaders are formed during the hardest moments,” she spoke.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the USM President, mentioned that he wishes for the awardees to be serving the government soon.
“May your achievements inspire you not only to pursue your personal goals, but also become instruments for positive change for your families, communities, and our nation,” the President remarked.
Dr. Ma. Leida M. Donque, the OSA Director, expressed appreciation to the top management of USM for the constant support they receive in their office. She also congratulated the nominees and awardees of the Gawad Parangal.
“May the plaques and certificates you received tonight serve as a lasting reminder to remain humble, to inspire others to grow, and to embrace the true spirit of leadership,” Dr. Donque remarked.
This year’s most outstanding student of the year was conferred to Armand Roque L. Diez, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering. The award recognizes graduating students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and social responsibility. In his message, Diez emphasized his gratitude to countless individuals inside and outside the university who have positively contributed to his college journey.
Here’s the complete list of the 27th Gawad Parangal awardees:
Most Outstanding Student of the Year
ARMAND ROQUE L. DIEZ, 4 BSA
President, PSABE PPG
Outstanding Academic Achiever
JUSTINE NOVA A. TAYABAS, 4 BSE Major in Mathematics
Associate Editor, The Mindanao Tech
Outstanding Student Leader
RISTY JADE P. MORENO, 4 BSA Major in Soil Science
Governor, CA LSG
Most Outstanding Governor
RISTY JADE P. MORENO, 4 BSA
Governor, CA LSG
Most Outstanding Legislator
Muaz Jubair A. Datumanong, 4 ABEng
USG Senator
Most Outstanding Journalist
TED GABRIEL M. BAIR, 3 BSAccty
Multimedia Editor, The Mindanao Tech
Outstanding Socio-Cultural Artist of the Year
Dawn Jamela D. Caritan, 4 BSE
Outstanding Athlete of the Year
Andrea Vera Alejandro, 4 BSE
Ten Outstanding Freshmen
Lloyd Ivan T. Cantomayor, 1 ABPolScie
Hayley C. Conejar, 1 BSAccty
Mashaika B. Guiamel, 1 BSChem
Jinn Allan Luaña, 1 BS Microbio
John Cloyd A. Manawis, 1 BSDC
Christine Rhane R. Sala, 1 BSPharmacy
Rixy Ayyira D. Tatoy, 1 BSChem
Most Outstanding Local Student Government
College of Agriculture Local Student
Excellence in Legislative Support
College of Engineering and Information Technology LSG
Excellence in Community Services
College of Arts & Social Sciences LSG
Most Outstanding Academic Organization
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers USM Student Chapter
Excellence in Membership Services
Philippine Society of Information Technology Students
Excellence in Community Services
USM Microbiology Society
Most Outstanding Non-Academic Organization
Rodeo Club Philippines USM Chapter
Excellence in Membership Services
USM Association of DOST – SEI Scholars
Excellence in Community Services
USM Volunteers Club
Most Outstanding Religious Organization
University of Southern Mindanao Muslim Students Association
Excellence in Membership Services
Truth & Life Campus Ministry
Most Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Organization
Venerable Knight Veterinarians/Venerable Lady Veterinarians
Most Outstanding Research Project – Social Science Category
“Financial Position and Cash Flow Indicators’ Relationship with the SGLG Awards: Evidence from LGUs In Region XII, Philippines (2022-2024)”
Researcher: Paula Dominique R. Garmino and Jeannie Q. Rebuta
Adviser: Dr. Jay-R G. Vildac, CPA
Most Outstanding Research Project – Applied/Innovation Category
“Two-Dimensional Adaptive Review Framework with Retrieval-Augmented Generation for the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination”
Researcher: Louel John A. Ines
Adviser: Joseph C. Lorilla
Most Outstanding Research Project – Basic Category
“Landslide Susceptibility Map (LSM) Using AHP-GIS Integration: A Case Study of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat”
Researcher: Ed Collin C. Lacangan
Adviser: Chrislam S. Mantawil
Nothing follows.
