USM Opens its Doors to JRMSU for Benchmarking Opportunities

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) successfully hosted a three-day, in-depth benchmarking activity for the students, faculty members, and the college dean of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University–College of Agriculture and Forestry (JRMSU–CAF). Held from October 21–23, 2025, at the USM Main Campus in Kabacan, Cotabato, the event provided JRMSU with extensive exposure to USM’s cutting-edge agricultural facilities and innovations, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and research-driven technology.

The JRMSU-CAF delegation comprised 87 students specializing in Animal Science and Crop Science, along with four faculty members and their college dean. The visitors were received at the College of Agriculture (CA) Annex by the CA–Local Student Government (CA-LSG). The activity officially began with an orientation led by CA faculty member Monaira Sumael, setting the stage for the intensive three-day knowledge exchange.

On the first day, the participants were given a tour of the USM Food Processing Center, Poultry and Livestock Facilities, and the DA–Philippine Carabao Center at USM, where they learned about one of the sustainable methods that USM has been practicing to prevent waste and conserve resources—the Zero Waste Method.

“Aside from the technologies, gina-after din talaga namin ‘yung mga sustainable practices na ginagawa ng USM. In-encourage kami nila sir na dapat i-practice namin ang zero waste method kasi ang dami pa palang pwedeng gamitin sa mga akala natin wala nang pakinabang. Kagaya ng dumi ng mga hayop, dito ko lang nalaman sa USM na pwede pala siyang gawing source ng energy na magagamit din sa pagpapailaw para sa ating mga hayop,”  Nelcie R. Quico, one of the visitors said.

The second day shifted focus to agricultural research and development at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC). The tour covered the Cacao Processing Laboratory, the Cacao Genebank Farm, and the SMART Nursery.

During the tour, CA faculty member Gwen Iris L. Descalsota-Empleo showcased USM’s notable technological innovations designed to improve both cacao farming and post-harvest processes. These innovations included specialized equipment like bean breakers, grinders, and roasters, which are utilized to minimize the manpower effort required in traditional tablea-making.

Empleo also introduced the use of Molecular Markers Technology, a sophisticated tool that helps in scientifically determining the authenticity of cacao clone varieties. She strongly emphasized that these technological advancements are direct results of extensive research, which is robustly supported by various funding agencies.

“All of our technologies are based on research, and we thank the different agencies because they provide financial support, most especially to our students, to do more research that improves our processes. Kaya we encourage students to research, most especially if it aims to improve our processes or provide solutions,” Empleo said.

The visit concluded with a collaborative academic exchange. Joan P. Sadoral, a CA faculty member, shared USM’s proven best practices for conducting examination reviews. The discussion was strategically focused on helping the JRMSU professors enhance their review methodologies to achieve a higher passing rate for their students in the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists (LEA).

The benchmarking activity underscored USM’s role in offering valuable insights into sustainable practices and agricultural innovation, enhancing JRMSU’s academic and practical approaches. The exchange of knowledge on technologies, research, and licensure preparation highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions in advancing agricultural education and practice.