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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM), a hub of innovation and technology learning hosted the Google DevFest: Cotabato Roadshow 2025, organized by the Google Developer Group (GDG) Davao. The event gathered students, educators, developers, and partner institutions in a full-day celebration of technology, collaboration, and creativity.
USM, through the Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS), Department of Computing and Library Information Science (DCLIS), University Information and Communication Technology Office (UICTO), and USMart Technology Business Incubator (USMart TBI), officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the GDG Davao as part of the Google DevFest: Cotabato Roadshow 2025. The partnership aims to strengthen opportunities in digital innovation, skills development, and community empowerment through collaborative programs and events.
The MOA was signed by Dr. Leonard M. Pelata, on behalf of University President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, together with Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. Eugene G. Ranjo, Director of the University Information and Communication Technology Office (UICTO); Prof. Janice T. Palmaera, Department Chairperson of the Department of Computing and Library Information Science (DCLIS); Prof. Ryan Z. Gonzaga, Senior Adviser of USM PSITS; Mr. Kim Bryan A. Abellanoza, Project Manager of USMart Technology Business Incubator; and Mr. Bob Villarin and Ms. Kaye Jose, Community Leads of GDG Davao.
More than 517 participants from various schools and organizations gathered at the USM Auditorium for the DevFest: Cotabato Roadshow 2025. Attendees came from USM Main Campus, USM Kidapawan City Campus (KCC), Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), along with representatives from Noorul Eilm Academy Foundation Inc. (NEAFI), Mamasabulod Elementary School, and Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU).
The roadshow featured engaging talks on technology and leadership. Cyril Olonalan discussed “Data Preservation: Where Will Our Data Be in 500 Years?”, while Liam James Mendoza shared insights on “How We Build, Lead, and Organize in the New Generation.”
An open forum followed, giving participants the chance to interact with the speakers, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of the topics. The program also featured the DevQuest Challenge, a friendly quiz competition that tested participants’ IT knowledge. After a close contest, JOSEPTEAM emerged as the champion with a perfect score, followed by Books in second place and Young Stunna in third.
The Google DevFest: Cotabato Roadshow 2025 concluded not merely as a seminar, but as a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, marking another step toward strengthening the digital ecosystem in the Cotabato region. With the newly established partnership between USM and GDG Davao, the university continues to uphold its commitment to advancing technology, research, and community development.
