USM President Joins Plenary Sessions, Business Matching at Mindanao Development Forum 2026 University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, together with Dr. Cheryl Dulay, Dean of the College of Business, Development Economics and Management (CBDEM), and Dr. Renel M. Alucilja, Director of the Planning and Development Office (PDO), participated in the Mindanao Development Forum (MDF) 2026 at Dusit Thani Davao City. The delegation joined the forum’s multi-sectoral plenary sessions, specialized breakout discussions, project presentations, and business matching activities, where USM presented three proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment areas. The first proposal is a Convention, Commercial, and Dormitory Complex featuring a 1,000-seat plenary hall, a 500-square-meter retail strip, and student accommodation for 400 to 600 residents. The proposed development is anchored on the University’s enrollment of more than 11,167 students. The second proposal is a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under a 15-year arrangement with no upfront capital expenditure (CapEx). It adopts a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The proposed terms include a 20% reduction in grid electricity costs from the first day of implementation and an annual escalation cap of 1.5% The third proposal is an Agrivoltaics Renewable Energy Project, which combines solar power generation with climate-smart agriculture through the integration of solar installations and crop research on USM’s land assets. USM also presented the Cotabato Innovation and Science City prospectus to representatives of international financial institutions and regional business leaders. The presentation featured the University’s 1,024-hectare main campus and its proposed PPP development projects. The forum also provided opportunities for discussions on PPP implementation, renewable energy, development financing, agribusiness, sustainable land management, and ease of doing business. Participating agencies and institutions included the PPP Center, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Finance (DOF), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), World Bank, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). During the business matching sessions, USM officials met with prospective developers, investors, and renewable energy providers to discuss possible partnerships for the University’s proposed projects.

November 3, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at November 3, 2026

USM President Joins Plenary Sessions, Business Matching at Mindanao Development Forum 2026

University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, together with Dr. Cheryl Dulay, Dean of the College of Business, Development Economics and Management (CBDEM), […]

November 3, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at November 3, 2026

USM SERDAC Trains Research Personnel in Data Management with DICT

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Satellite for Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) […]

November 3, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at November 3, 2026

USM Concludes Five-Day AACCUP Accreditation Visit for Five Academic Programs

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) completed the five-day accreditation visit for five academic programs conducted by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in […]

November 3, 2026

Published by Charlotte Andrea Tutor at November 3, 2026

USM, Talaytayan Partner for 2027 International Convergence on Indigenous Languages, Literacy, and Eco-Systems

Educators, researchers, and advocates of indigenous languages and mother tongue education will meet at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in September 2027 for the 2027 […]

October 30, 2026

Published by Charlotte Andrea Tutor at October 30, 2026

USM Holds Mental Health Session for Faculty, Staff

University of Southern Mindanao (USM) faculty and staff attended a mental health session on October 30, 2026, at the University Auditorium in Kabacan, Cotabato, where discussions […]

October 29, 2026

Published by Charlotte Andrea Tutor at October 29, 2026

ULS-USM Archer Wins 5 Golds, Qualifies for Dubai 2026 Asian Youth Championship

University Laboratory School-University of Southern Mindanao (ULS-USM) student General Marc M. Bangoy, 17, won five gold medals in two Philippine tournaments and qualified for the 2026 […]

Academe

USM President Joins Plenary Sessions, Business Matching at Mindanao Development Forum 2026

USM SERDAC Trains Research Personnel in Data Management with DICT

USM Concludes Five-Day AACCUP Accreditation Visit for Five Academic Programs

USM, Talaytayan Partner for 2027 International Convergence on Indigenous Languages, Literacy, and Eco-Systems

USM Holds Mental Health Session for Faculty, Staff

ULS-USM Archer Wins 5 Golds, Qualifies for Dubai 2026 Asian Youth Championship