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Magpet, Cotabato- To formally launch the Harnessing Efforts for Recovery Operations (HERO) project, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), together with the Inter-Cultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace (ICON-SP) from Balindog, Kidapawan, visited the Municipality of Magpet for an inception meeting on July 31, 2025.
The HERO project is an initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support and sustainable solutions to aid the recovery and rebuilding efforts of the Ovu Manobo tribe in Bongolanon, Magpet. It seeks to improve the tribe’s livelihoods and economic status through sustainable development, tourism initiatives, and cultural preservation, ultimately fostering resilience and enhancing their overall well-being.
The visit was led by Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua, Director of the Extension Services Office, and Project Leader Avegale S. Roy, along with faculty members from the USM College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS) and the College of Business, Development Economics, and Management (CBDEM).
The team first visited the Mayor of Magpet, Hon. Jay Laurence S. Gonzaga, to formally introduce the project and seek his insights and support. The meeting served as a crucial opportunity to discuss the project’s objectives and ensure its alignment with the municipality’s development plans for the benefit of the Ovu Manobo community. Mayor Gonzaga welcomed the project and expressed his full support for its implementation.
After meeting with the Mayor, the USM and ICON-SP representatives proceeded to the Barangay Bongolanon office, where they met with Barangay Chairman Suarez L. Apan and other local officials. They discussed the project’s objectives, the specific needs of the tribe, and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. The dialogue also helped identify the comprehensive support USM could provide.
The launch of the HERO project marks a significant milestone in the collaborative partnership between the University of Southern Mindanao and the local government of Magpet. This joint effort reflects a strong commitment to delivering sustainable assistance and empowering the Ovu Manobo tribe for long-term community development.
