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Singapore | October 20, 2025 — The first day of the Educational Visit and Cultural Innovation Immersion Program in Singapore have provided transformative learning experiences for delegates from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) winners from the Province of Cotabato.
Spearheaded by Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, the program aims to strengthen the province’s initiatives in education, youth empowerment, and innovation—core values that continue to define her leadership.
During an interview, Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño-Taray shared how this international immersion reflects Governor Taliño-Mendoza’s dedication to nurturing the potential of young leaders and innovators in Cotabato.
“As Gov Lala always says, ‘May karapatan lahat ng kabataan sa edukasyon’—because education is the best equalizer,” Vice Governor Taray emphasized. “No matter where you begin in life or what your starting point is, when education comes into play, you are giving yourself opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. Education allows young people to develop their character, discover their passion, and prepare for their future careers.”
Vice Governor Taray highlighted that Governor Taliño-Mendoza has long championed education as a foundation for inclusive growth and empowerment. Through scholarship programs, research support, and initiatives like this immersion, the Provincial Government of Cotabato continues to invest in the potential of the youth—ensuring that opportunities for learning extend beyond classrooms and into real-world experiences.
Expounding further, the Vice Governor discussed the broader vision behind the Singapore Immersion Program, particularly its focus on innovation and global learning.
“From the innovation perspective, this trip reflects our belief that university research can accomplish a lot and help the province in many ways,” she said. “Our innovation ecosystem is still developing compared to other areas like Manila or Singapore, and what Gov Lala envisions is to jumpstart that. This program gives participants direct exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, helping them gain global perspectives that can drive the creation of innovation hubs and local ecosystems in Cotabato.”
She also mentioned that the delegation—composed of representatives from the Provincial Government of Cotabato, USM faculty, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and student innovators—was carefully selected to ensure a collaborative learning experience.
“We want this immersion to be more than just an educational visit,” she added. “When we return home, we aim to translate what we’ve learned into building an innovation ecosystem that reflects our local values and priorities—particularly in agriculture, disaster risk management, and other key sectors. The goal is to use what we’ve gained here to strengthen research and development that can uplift communities in Cotabato.”
On Day 1, the delegates explored Singapore’s ecosystem of governance, business, and culture, where they learned how the country’s disciplined and efficient systems contribute to its remarkable progress. Singapore’s reputation as a “fine country” was also discussed—not merely as a reference to its strict laws, but as a reflection of how accountability and responsibility among citizens fuel national development.
For John Rey Alejo, one of the USM researcher delegates, the experience has been both eye-opening and inspiring:
“This immersion really motivated me to look at my goals and research ideas from a broader perspective,” Alejo shared. “Seeing how Singapore values innovation and discipline made me realize that great ideas don’t just come from creativity—they also come from consistency, collaboration, and the willingness to take risks. It inspired me to think beyond what’s familiar and to develop research that can actually create impact in my community.”
The Educational Visit and Cultural Innovation Immersion Program, running from October 20 to 25, 2025, is a collaborative effort between the Provincial Government of Cotabato, the University of Southern Mindanao, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
As the program continues, the delegates are expected to visit more innovation hubs and cultural institutions, strengthening their knowledge and inspiring them to bring home insights that will contribute to the province’s vision of a progressive, innovative, and empowered Cotabato.
The delegation includes Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services; Dr. Lorelyn Joy N. Turnos-Milagrosa, faculty member of the College of Agriculture; and USM students and alumni Vengie V. Mencias, John Paul A. Cabangal, Apple Grace Miles, John Rey Alejo, Max Dave Agudos, Elinor Fernandez, Jun Fred Escoton, Eric S. Puyos, Jam Orceda and Kirstine Joy Barro.
Joining the ten young innovators are Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño-Taray, DOST Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, DOST Cotabato Provincial Director Dr. Michael T. Mayo, Kabacan Councilor Jonathan M. Tabara and Ms. Darlene Dioleste (Documenter, Office of the Vice Governor).
