USM Research Ethics Committee Conducts University-Wide Orientation for Undergraduate Researchers
April 14, 2025
Carmen Agriculture Office Partners USM on Organic Coffee, Cacao Training
April 15, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) celebrated the 7th Hadja Bai Fatima Matabay N. Plang Day on April 14, 2025, at the University Auditorium, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Declared through Provincial Ordinance No. 624 in March 2019, this annual celebration highlights Bai Matabay Plang’s significant role in education, women empowerment, and social welfare across Mindanao.
Councilor Delfin Moreno of Arakan, Cotabato, her grandson, served as a keynote speaker.
“To the world, she was a founder, a visionary, a symbol of courage. But to me, she was simply my grandmother warm, wise, and unwavering in her belief that ‘education is not a privilege but a right for all,” said Moreno in his speech.
Mother Bai, a Moro Hero, was instrumental in establishing three major academic institutions in Mindanao: the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), and Mindanao Institute Polytechnic Foundation College (MIPFC). Her tireless lobbying efforts and dedication to public service helped uplift countless lives, especially in rural communities.
The program included interfaith prayers, messages from local leaders, tribute songs from retirees, a special performance by the USM B’dadali Dance Troupe,. A separate segment was held in Batulawan, Pikit, Cotabato, where participants visited the founder’s gravesite to pay respects. In addition, the Quiz on the Air for the students continued on its year 3.
Prominent individuals who played roles in the historical recognition of Mother Bai were also acknowledged, namely Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza, former USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia, Board Member Hon. Jonathan Tabara, Hon. Shirlyn D. Macasarte, Hon. Herlo P. Guzman Jr., and Prof. Yvonne V. Saliling.
Mother Bai, who passed away on April 13, 1984, continues to inspire generations through the institutions she built and the values she lived by.
As USM Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leorence Tandog said, “Let her wisdom and kindness guide us as we continue to grow and learn together so no one gets left behind.”
The heirs of the founder were present during the activity.
