BREAKING NEWS: USM Posts 86.89% Passing Rate in October 2025 Veterinarians Licensure Exam
October 30, 2025
KABACAN, Cotabato—The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) unit successfully hosted the 2025 Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Symposium on October 29, 2025. Held at the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC) Audio-Visual Room, the event featured 10 research and development papers and posters presented by USM researchers and was attended by notable research and development experts.
Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE), opened the event by commending the RDE team for their improved strategic planning. She specifically noted that the symposium’s theme, an effort led by Dr. Tamie C. Solpot, was a genuine reflection of the research entries rather than just a quickly chosen trend. For Verzosa, this success signals a need to better incorporate the Research, Development, and Extension agenda in the call for proposals for colleges in the succeeding year.
”In previous years, I must admit, our themes were often crafted from trends or what’s in. So, just the day before the in-house review, that’s when we’d think of a theme. But this time, I commend our chair, Dr. Tammy C. Solpot, for thoroughly reviewing all the entries and formulating a theme that truly encapsulates their essence. By this, I think we should also better incorporate the RDE agenda in our call for proposals for colleges, which we can do in the succeeding year,” she stated.
The first part of the symposium showcased six research entries and four development entries, judged by a distinguished panel that included Dr. Naomi G. Tangonan (DOST Scientist I, USM Professor Emeritus), Dr. Edward A. Barlaan (USM Professor Emeritus), Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian (Retired USM Professor), and Dr. Lorna G. Valdez (Retired USM Professor).
Following the paper presentations, all 10 entries were judged in the poster presentation category, leading to the recognition of top-performing papers and posters in both categories:
Paper Presentation (Research Category)
Winner: Ma. Teodora N. Cabasan, Dirk De Waele, Baby Nhor K. Ambel, Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña
Title: Chemical Applications Alter Nematode Communities but Soil Food Webs Remain Resilient in Cacao Agroecosystems
Poster Presentation (Research Category)
Winner: Leandreux D. Ocasion, Maria Elena N. Tanabe, Adeflor G. Garcia, Jade Amythist C. Sevillano, Brienne Jay M. Nitura, Kim Leo S. Mesaya, Melchor F. Galang, Edgar N. Dao-ay
Title: Indigenous Phosphorus and Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms as Potential Enhancer of Phosphorus and Potassium Nutrient Uptake of Corn
Paper Presentation (Development Category)
Winner: Jalaloden B. Marohom, Ivy Mar B. Cabornida
Title: Commercialization of Chevon Food Products and Standardization of Processing Center
Poster Presentation (Development Category)
Winner: Jalaloden B. Marohom and Ivy Mar B. Cabornida
Title: Commercialization of Chevon Food Products and Standardization of Processing Center
SUC President IV, Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, concluded the event by stressing that the symposium’s theme is a major step toward the university’s direction in economic development, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
”I believe that agriculture and aquatic researches should be fully supported because innovation in this sector will surely contribute to the economic development in our area. So, we encourage even our university in terms of our curriculum to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Because I am sure that this is one of the secret of other developed countries in developing their economy,” he expressed.
The identified winners for each category will represent the university at the Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights that will be organized by SOXAARRDEC on November 20, 2025.
