USMart TBI Hosts DOST-PCIEERD for Monitoring and Startup Coaching
September 16, 2025
In honor and gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the academic community, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), through the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), gathered its 2024–2025 retirees on September 16, 2025, at the University Commercial Building in USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
During the event, the university, together with the USM Faculty Association Inc. and the USM Academic and Support Staff Association Inc. (USMASSAI), presented Plaques of Recognition, certificates, and tokens of appreciation to the retirees as a gesture of heartfelt thanks for their years of dedicated service.
As a way of tribute, a surprise video presentation featuring warm messages and well-wishes from former colleagues and friends was played in honor for the legacy and impact of the retirees within the USM community.
In his message, Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the USM President, fondly reminisced and shared memorable experiences with the retirees. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable service to the institution.
“Your dedicated service, wisdom, passion, and commitment while working at USM helped uplift the name of our university.” The President underscored.
In response, Dr. Emerlie R. Okit, a retiree from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude during the program. She expressed deep appreciation to Mother Bai, the founder of USM, who had once reminded her—when she was still a young government employee—to remain truthful in service. Dr. Okit also extended her thanks to USM, which, as she shared, had sustained her and her family through the years. In her message, she gratefully acknowledged all the Presidents of USM who had supported her throughout her years of service.
“There were days that I was about to give up my work, but I was reminded that I am a single-parent, I need to work. They need to finish their studies. USM is the source of our bread and butter… Without USM, our children would not have been able to complete their studies.”
“We face many challenges in life. Life is not easy to be an employee of a university, but we enjoy all the blessings given by God… Because of USM all my four children graduated in college.” Dr. Okit added.
She shared the lessons she learned in her journey as a government employee.
“Success is not for the strong, but it is for those who are willing to adjust.” She ended.
Joining the celebration were the University’s Vice Presidents, members of the administrative council, former deans, program chairpersons who had worked with the retirees, as well as their beloved family members.
