USM, LGU M’lang Strengthen Partnership to Advance Development Plans

Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, President of University of Southern Mindanao (USM), along Dr. Ronielyn F. Pinsoy, Chancellor of USM-KCC, and Engr. Renel M. Alucilja, Director Planning and Development Office, conducted a meeting with Hon. Emmanuel M. Abonado, Municipal Mayor of M’lang, to discuss supplementary development plans for USM M’lang at the Mayor’s office, Poblacion, M’lang, Cotabato on July 28, 2025.

During the meeting, Dr. Pinsoy presented the status of USM M’lang and highlighted the campus’s steady enrollment and the consistent support it receives. She emphasized the campus’s growing stability and its role in expanding access to quality education in the region. Dr. Pinsoy was recently designated as the campus head of USM M’lang.

Relatively, Mayor Abonado reaffirmed the Local Government Unit’s (LGU) commitment to supporting USM M’lang and its students. As part of this ongoing support, the LGU recently provided a ₱70,000 cash grant to assist criminology graduates in preparing for the upcoming Criminology Licensure Examination.

In response, President Pimentel underscored the university’s mission to deliver accessible, relevant, and quality education, to note its importance in addressing national concerns such as unemployment.

“Basta when it comes to education, priority naton na… this is one [of] our mandates,” the President remarked.

After the meeting, an on-site visit to the USM M’lang grounds transpired. Located at Barangay Tawantawan, M’lang, the land (measuring five hectares in total) is expected to house the facilities and students of the campus. It was provided by LGU M’lang as their counterpart.

For nearly five years in operation even while based at a temporary location, USM M’lang is set to a significant growth. It is a testament to the enduring partnership of USM, the LGU M’lang, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato.