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Delegates from Switzerland and the Netherlands visited the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) to discuss the progress of the “Going Bananas Project” and explore broader opportunities for academic collaboration on August 27, 2025 , at USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Prof. Gurbir Bhullar of Bern University, Switzerland; Ms. Eline Minneboo from the RVO Netherlands Agency; and Ms. Lysanne Vergroesen, Director of AideEnvironment, composed the delegates.
Spearheaded by Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE) of USM, together with Dr. Leorence Tandog, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPRDE), Dr. Leonard Paleta, Director of Instruction (DI), Dr. Glyn Magbanua, Director, Extension Services Office (ESO), and Prof. Bryan Lloyd Bretaña, Director, Office of International Affairs, the discussion focused on possible next steps for the banana research initiative, with emphasis on exploring areas where joint expertise and support could contribute to its progress.
Beyond the project, both sides also looked into the possibility of academic linkages. These collaborations are envisioned to give USM scholars access to international research environments while opening doors for foreign partners to engage with local expertise and community-based initiatives.
