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Arakan, Cotabato – The University of Southern Mindanao Extension Services Office (USM-ESO) held a second round of coordination meeting with the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Arakan on July 3, 2025, in Arakan, Cotabato, to discuss further details on the community-based development initiatives.
Representing USM, Ritchel O. Torress, Training Specialist II of USM-ESO, affirmed the University’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships with local communities. She emphasized the institution’s mission of delivering need-based services and implementing skills development training programs aligned with the University’s vision and extension thrusts.
Also in attendance were faculty members from the College of Trades and Industry (CTI), namely Prof. Julbasar Sajiran, Prof. Marjorie Catuguran, Prof. Samson Rapusa, and Dr. Radji A. Macatabon, Director of Sentro ng Wika at Kultura. A representative from the Gender and Development (GAD) office also participated in the meeting.
Municipal Mayor Jeam D. Villasor welcomed the team and led discussions on specific training needs he envisions for his constituents. Among the key areas identified were skills development and post-production processing and agricultural-related training programs, primarily targeting out-of-school youth, women, and other underserved sectors of the community.
Mayor Villasor underscored the municipality’s long-term goal of enhancing global competitiveness by equipping residents with skills that would make them more employable, including opportunities for overseas employment.
This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment between USM and Arakan LGU towards empowering local communities, addressing urgent development needs, and laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable progress.
