CASS-LSG, Balaod Mindanaw Conduct “CASSayuran” to Promote Cyber Safety in Matalam
April 13, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) celebrated the 8th Hadja Bai Fatima Matabay Namli Plang Day on April 13, 2026, at the University Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Declared through Provincial Ordinance No. 624 in March 2019, this annual celebration recognizes Bai Matabay Plang’s role as a champion for education and her lasting contribution to the academic community in Mindanao.
Governor Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza of the Province of Cotabato served as keynote speaker.
“Bai Fatima Plang, achieved what many thought impossible, without the advantages you have today, no advance technologies, no institutional support systems, yet she built and enduring institution of learning. So, when you face with academic pressure… Remember her example. Your presence in this university is not accidental,” she said in her message.
The program featured a video presentation by the University Media Team, which traced the life of Mother Bai, from being an honor student to starting her career as a Grade 2 teacher. It also noted that she was the first Muslima in Mindanao to receive a Fulbright Travel Study Grant from the American Association of University Women in 1948, which allowed her to visit universities and colleges abroad.
Gerrick Michael Magoncia Plang, a first-year BS Microbiology student and great-great-grandson of the founder, delivered a message during the program. Although he was too young to meet Mother Bai, he shared that stories within their family remain the same: “They all spoke of her kindness, her nurturing ways that never fail to touch other hearts, always putting others before herself, and she saw everyone as equal.”
Hon. Jonathan Tabara, author of Provincial Ordinance No. 624, said that Mother Bai’s struggles were not in vain as USM continues to produce outstanding graduates. He also compared her challenges to those faced by today’s youth, encouraging students to draw inspiration from her life.
The date April 13, 1984 as Mother Bai’s death was also recalled during the activity.
Prominent individuals who played roles in the historical recognition of Mother Bai were also acknowledged, namely Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza, former USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia, Board Member Hon. Jonathan Tabara, Hon. Shirlyn D. Macasarte, Hon. Herlo P. Guzman Jr., and Prof. Yvonne V. Saliling.
Meanwhile, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel also delivered a speech. “In a time when the future was uncertain, Mother Bai chose to act. She saw beyond the present and understood the power of learning to shape lives and communities. That same spirit lives on in USM today, especially in how we embrace innovation,” he said.
Aside from the program, Dr. Anita Tacardon shared updates on the USM Founder’s Legacy Association, Inc., which officially awarded scholarship grants to three students from IP, Muslim, and Christian communities.
“Hindi man lahat tayo makakukuha ng presidential award, hindi man lahat ay makagagawa ng batas, pero lahat po tayo ay pwede maging isang Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Namli Plang, sa ating pag-aaral, pagtatrabaho, at sa ating pakikipag salamuha sa kapwa,” said Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa as she closed the program.
The activity was spearheaded by the College of Arts and Social Sciences, led by its dean, Dr. Marlyn A. Resurreccion, with Hon. Antonio Igcalinos, Descendants of Mother Bai, USM employees, students, guests, and retirees, also present during the celebration.
