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USM recognized 3,933 academic awardees during its 48th University Recognition Program on March 13, 2026, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Engr. Rotelo B. Cabugsa, Regional Director of the Professional Regulation Commission Region XII, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. He reminded the students that academic success must also translate into responsible service to the nation.
Meanwhile Rainier Clyde G. Salanap, the first honor awardee, from BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering shared his personal journey during his speech.
“BSABE was not my first choice. I originally wanted to pursue Veterinary Medicine, but when the slots were already full, I chose this program. Looking back, that ‘wrong’ door became the greatest redirection of my life,” Salanap narrated.
Salanap also emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of farmers and agricultural professionals in the country.
“As students of ABE, we are learning to design systems—from irrigation to post-harvest technologies—that can help uplift our nation and support our farmers,” he ended.
3rd District of Cotabato Representative Cong. Samantha Santos also graced the event and encouraged the students to carry the spirit of Serbisyong Makasakit. She emphasized that their academic achievements reflect the discipline that sets achievers apart from dreamers.
Of the total scholars, the College of Arts and Social Sciences recorded 585, followed by the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences with 547, the College of Business, Development Economics, and Management with 486, the College of Education with 395, the College of Health Sciences with 327, the College of Engineering and Information Technology with 292, the College of Agriculture with 271, the College of Science and Mathematics with 225, the Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies with 152, the College of Human Kinetics with 137, the College of Veterinary Medicine with 134, the PALMA Cluster with 112, and the College of Trades and Industries with 74 scholars.
These students were recognized for their excellent achievements during the first semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 and the second sem of AY. 2024–2025.
