USM-ESO Jumpstarts Language Documentation for Magpet’s Ovu Manobo Community
March 31, 2026
Researchers and extension workers convened for the 45th Annual Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) In-House Review (IHR), where a total of 57 papers and 18 posters presented on March 30–31, 2026, at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Of the papers evaluated, 15 were from Basic and Social Research, 16 from Applied Research, 11 from Development Research, and 15 from Extension. Meanwhile, the 18 posters presented included 3 from Basic and Social Research, 5 from Development, 6 from Applied, and 4 from Extension.
Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, the Vice President for RDE of USM, challenged the participants of the event. In her message, she prompted the researchers of the university to not only comply and present their projects as a requirement, but to fully engage in the process, to listen carefully, and absorb the insights of the evaluators. Moreover, she asked the evaluators to provide honest rigorous assessments, and to be constructively critical so that each piece of work can be further improved.
“Mabuhay po ang ating mga researchers at extensionists. Patuloy po nating isulong ang kahusayan, inobasyon at makabuluhang kapakinabangan sa lipunan,” she ended.
The RDE Annual IHR of USM is conducted to review and check all ongoing and completed research, development, and extension projects of faculty, researchers, and extension workers. This activity also serves as a space where participants share ideas, findings, and outputs from their work. These are related to the university’s vision, mission, and goals.
Moreover, the evaluation also helps the university see if its support for research, development, and extension is used well. Through this, USM makes sure that these efforts respond to the needs and problems of the people it serves, both in the local and national level, and support long-term development.
Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom, the Director of the Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (IPTTBDO) of USM and the overall chairperson of this year’s IHR, emphasized that in today’s challenges we face, it is essential that our work is not only innovative but also impact-driven and sustainable.
“Research should not end in reports or publications-it must move forward into adoptable technologies, scalable solutions, and market-ready innovations. May we be guided by one clear purpose: not just to generate knowledge, but to transform it into solutions that uplift lives and drive sustainable growth,” the Chairperson spoke.
The following papers received awards during the review:
Basic and Social Research Category
Best Paper: Genome-Based Validation of Putative True Cacao Criollo Types and HYVs for Production of Authentic Quality Planting Materials
Edward A. Barlaan, Joellee L. Aguirre, Jeralden O. Vido, Ellain Ruchel M. Sotto, Engel Maricris Gaoiran
Second: Impact Assessment of the Program on Advancing the Philippine Mango Through Production of Export Quality Mangoes
Dr. Jennet R. Mag-aso, Engr. Willie Jones B. Saliling, Prof. Yvonne V. Saliling, Dr. Krizler C. Tanalgo, Dr. Angelo R. Agduma, Engr. Andrea Kate C. Castañeda, Crizalyn B. Ismael, and Jessa May M. Verzola
Third: Survey and Distribution of Subterranean Termites in Selected Structural Facilities of the University of Southern Mindanao, with Implication for Education and Management
Dr. Joeseph S. Quisado and Chris Raphael Formacion
Applied Research Category
Best Paper: Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Job’ s Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L) and Two Forages and their Utilization as Inoculant in Silage Production for Halal Ruminant Feed
Dr. Josephine R. Migalbin, and Roy C. Ricabar
Second: Yield and Quality Evaluation of Ten (10) Promising Cacao Varieties in Type II and Type III Agro-Climatic Zones in Northern and Southern Mindanao
Dr. Ardniel A. Baladjay & Sheena B. Lucena
Third: Modeling Afforestation Sites: A Decision Support Tool for Sustainable Land Management
Dr. John Aries G. Tabora, and Janiffa Erin
Development Research Category
Best Paper: Project 4: Establishment of Regional Knowledge Management (KM) Hub in SOCCKSARGEN through the RAISE Program
Dr. Josephine R. Migalbin, Ar-jay Valenzuela, and Connie Jean Gumampang
Second: Project 1. Regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) in SOCCSKSARGEN through the RAISE Program
Prof. Pia Amabelle M. Flores Julius Jerome Ele Cyrelle M. Besana, Cristy Joy C. Calambro, Juliemer E. Gandor, and Nherace U. Escribano
Third: Smart Agriculture in Cacao Budwood Nursery for Production of Quality Planting Materials
Dr. Maricel G. Dayaday, Denver Von Ariaga & Kim John Bonete
Extension Category
Best Paper: BIO-NIHAN PARA SA KALIKASAN: Sustainable Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation Phase II
Prof. Cherie C. Mangaoang Cherie Cano-Mangaoang, Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvaña, Dr. Elma G.Sepelagio, Dr. Maria Elena N. Tanabe, and Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña
Second: Collaborative Networking and Engagement for Community Transformation (CONNECT)
Ritchel O. Torres, Prof. Avegale S. Roy, Prof. Noe Mamon, Prof. Mark Al-Jaime Muttulani , Dr. Mary Joy S. Caῆolas, Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Prof. Allan C. Facurib, Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua, Prof. Jovelyn F. Gesulga, and Engr. Jay Navaluna
Third: Community Action and Rural Bonding Services (CARBonS) Project: Advancing Sustainable Livelihood Through VCO and VCO-based Product
Dr. Marivic D. Candari, Prof. Queennie L. Rufino ,Dr. Analyn L. Gonzales, Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua,, and Prof. Ellen Joy Farala, Racel Moadas, and Rube Gem Rufino
Meanwhile, these are the following posters who earned recognition during the review:
Basic and Social Research
Best Poster: Impact Assessment of the Program on Advancing the Philippine Mango Through Production of Export Quality Mangoes
Dr. Jennet R. Mag-aso, Engr. Willie Jones B. Saliling, Prof. Yvonne V. Saliling, Dr. Krizler C. Tanalgo, Dr. Angelo R. Agduma, Engr. Andrea Kate C. Castañeda, Crizalyn B. Ismael, and Jessa May M. Verzola
Second: Micro Matters: Assessing the Potential of Developing Micro-credential Certification Programs in the University of Southern Mindanao
Dr. Romiel John P. Basan and Christine Joy Alpuerto
Third: Genome-Based Validation of Putative True Cacao Criollo Types and HYVs for Production of Authentic Quality Planting Materials
Edward A. Barlaan, Joellee L. Aguirre, Jeralden O. Vido, Ellain Ruchel M. Sotto, Engel Maricris Gaoiran
Applied Research
Best Poster: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Reinforced Fiberboards from Water Hyacinth
Dr. Lydia C. Pascual, Dr. Romiel John P. Basan, Dr. Jennet R. Mag-Aso, Prof. Leonila V. Papalid, Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa, Prof. Carlito P. Basay, Jr., Mervin M. Cheng Regine N. Lenis, Benjie B. Mari, Hannah Daphne B. Presto, Lady Ann M. Turiaga, and Cheene F. Vita
Second: Development of Value-Added Food Products from Indigenous Fish (Tilapia) and Crops (Kalabasa) in Alamada, Cotabato
Dr. Lydia C. Pascual, Dr. Romiel John P. Basan, Dr. Jennet R. Mag-Aso, Prof. Leonila V. Papalid, Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa, Prof. Carlito P. Basay, Jr., Mervin M. Cheng Regine N. Lenis, Benjie B. Mari, Hannah Daphne B. Presto, Lady Ann M. Turiaga, and Cheene F. Vita
Third: Green Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia carssipes) Leaves and Squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) Peel Extracts
Dr. Lydia C. Pascual, Dr. Romiel John P. Basan, Dr. Jennet R. Mag-Aso, Prof. Leonila V. Papalid, Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa, Prof. Carlito P. Basay, Jr., Mervin M. Cheng Regine N. Lenis, Benjie B. Mari, Hannah Daphne B. Presto, Lady Ann M. Turiaga, and Cheene F. Vita
Development
Best Poster: Strengthening Innovation and Entrepreneurship through USMART Technology Business Incubator
Dr. Jalaloden B. Marohom
Second: Project 1. Regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) in SOCCSKSARGEN through the RAISE Program
Prof. Pia Amabelle M. Flores Julius Jerome Ele Cyrelle M. Besana, Cristy Joy C. Calambro, Juliemer E. Gandor, and Nherace U. Escribano
Third: Project 3A. Enhancement of Agri-aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) in the University of Southern Mindanao through the RAISE program
Extension
Best Poster: Livelihood Enhancement for the Vulnerable Communities to Elevate Lives and Unlock Potentials (Level Up) Phase I: The Case of Communities in Ligawasan Marsh, Cotabato, Province
Dr. Romiel John P. Basan,, Christine Joy Alpuerto, Assistant Implementers: Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty, Junior Philippine Economics Society, AgEcon Alumni
Second: CBDEM Delicacies: Capacity Building, Demonstration and Enterprise Development of Maguindanaon Delicacies. (Phase II)
Dr. Analyn A. Gonzales, Prof. Roy B. Gacus, Dr. Esmaira G. Gunsayan, Prof. Sofia G. Molao, Prof. April Geraldine M. Quiñonero, and Dr. Irving T. Fajarito, Jr.
Third: Community Action and Rural Bonding Services (CARBonS) Project: Advancing Sustainable Livelihood Through VCO and VCO-based Product
Dr. Marivic D. Candari, Prof. Queennie L. Rufino ,Dr. Analyn L. Gonzales, Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua,, and Prof. Ellen Joy Farala, Racel Moadas, and Rube Gem Rufino
Simultaneously, the following were the evaluators of the different research categories:
Basic Research
Dr. Naomi G. Tangonan, an esteemed scientist and USM’s Professor Emeritus
Dr. Demetrio V. Oria, a former USM Agricultural Research and Development Center Director
Dr. Mervin G. Gascon, a distinguished academic and public policy expert currently serving as Professor V and Chair of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Mintal Campus.
Applied Research
Dr. Ma. Teodora N. Cabasan, Professor VI and a faculty member from the Biology Department, College of Science and Mathematics at USM
Dr. Sailila E. Abdullah, the center Director of DA-PhilRice Midsayap Experimental Station
Dr. Jill D. Villanueva, the Research Director of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST)
Development
Dr. Josh Elisha R. Octura, a Professor and a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Mindanao State University – General Santos MSU-GSC.
Dr. Lorna G. Valdez, a retired Professor and the former Director of Cotabato Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium.
Dr. Ruel P. Villanueva, from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of the Cotabato Province
Extension
Dr. Samsia A. Ibrahim, Director of the Office of Extension Services at Cotabato State University (CotSU)
Dr. Marcelina O. Bahalla, a former Accrediting Agencies for Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) Accreditor and an extensionist.
Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, the OIC Director of the Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region XII
This year’s IHR was guided by its theme: “Impact-driven research for sustainable growth.”
