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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) opened its 91st National Book Week celebration on November 3, 2025, at the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato with the theme: “Tulay ang pagbasa sa bukas na puno ng pag-asa.”
Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, USM President, and Dr. Leorence Tandog, Vice President for Academic Affairs joined faculty, staff, and students during the opening program. In his message, Dr. Pimentel spoke about reading as a key to knowledge and commended the Learning Resource Center for continuing its programs that promote learning and creativity.
The event featured Iskolastorya (Book Talk) as the main activity, while other contests and events such as Who’s Who, Logo Making, Wittyktok (Witty + TikTok: Interpretative Reading), Top Library Borrower Award, and Sanga ng Pag-asa (Branch of Hope) were officially launched and will run throughout November.
During the Iskolastorya Book Talk, USM professors Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita, Dr. Radji A. Macatabon, and Dr. Maria Luz Calibayan presented their published works.
Prof. Colita presented his book Why the Moon Lives Inside Us, a collection of poems and essays that combine personal reflection and social themes. The book uses the phases of the moon as a metaphor for the cycles of human life and explores shared emotions and experiences. He encouraged students to start writing and share their work with readers.
“Publishing is for everybody. Don’t wait until you are old. If you want to write poetry, post it online or publish it because the point of having a book is for your readers to read and appreciate it,” he remarked.
Dr. Calibayan shared her thoughts on her book, a collection of poems, saying, “Ang tula ay hindi lamang simpleng paglalarawan na may sukat o tugma, kundi sa bawat linya o pangungusap nito ay nakapaloob ang talinghaga ng kaniyang pakikibaka.” Her message reminded listeners that poetry speaks of both struggle and strength.
Dr. Macatabon, meanwhile, shared his book about language. He emphasized the importance of documentation as part of the university’s role in preserving language, literature, and research in Filipino, and encouraged students to write their research using the Filipino language.
The celebration continues throughout November with activities organized by the Learning Resource Center under the leadership of Prof. Susan Martinez, who leads programs that promote reading across the university community.
