USM, CPF Philippines Forge Partnership to Offer Internships, Scholarships, Career Opportunities

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFPC) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on November 17, 2025 at the Office of the President, Administration Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The partnership establishes expanded internship placements, financial assistance, and career pathways for USM students, particularly those in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Fisheries, and Marine Biology.

Under the MOA, USM will endorse qualified students for OJT while CPFPC will receive them by batch based on facility capacity. Students deployed to CPF’s swine farms, poultry farms, laboratories, and feed mill operations will receive free accommodation, free meals, free uniforms, and a monthly allowance or salary deposited directly to their bank accounts. Interns will complete 150 to 300 hours of hands-on training, undergo rotation across different farm and laboratory units, and participate in regular monitoring meetings until the completion of their program and final learning presentation.

The MOA also includes a financial assistance program where ten USM students per year, seven from Animal Science and three from Veterinary Medicine, may receive ₱10,000 each during their thesis period, based on the university’s endorsement.

During the event, CPF executives presented the company’s animal production, feed milling, and laboratory operations in Mindanao that will serve as training sites. They also discussed future hiring opportunities for USM graduates, noting that OJT alumni are given priority for roles such as farm veterinarians, animal husbandry technicians, quality control officers, and sales technical officers. CPF likewise introduced its six-month Future Leadership Program in Thailand, a fully funded training for outstanding fresh graduates.

USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel represented by Dr. Samsudin Panday, USM Vice President for Resource Generation and Entrepreneurial Services thanked CPF for opening extensive learning and employment opportunities for USM students. He emphasized the university’s commitment to strengthening industry partnerships that enhance student readiness for professional careers.

Present during the event were Mr. Phaisarn Rewriab, the Vice President of CPF Philippines, and Mr. Jon Kane Englis, the Section Manager. From USM, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, Director of Instructions Dr. Leonard M. Paleta, College of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Dr. Elizabeth C. Molina, and College of Agriculture Dean Dr. Efren C. Magulama also attended the event.