USM-ESO Strengthens Partnership for Community Development in the Iranun Corridor

The University of Southern Mindanao’s Extension Services Office (USM-ESO), led by Director Glyn G. Magbanua and supported by various USM college coordinators, convened a key meeting with local government units (LGUs) from Sultan Mastura, Parang, Matanog, Barira, and Buldon in Maguindanao del Norte on August 7, 2024 at the Headquarters of the 2nd Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team in Parang. This significant event, facilitated by the First Marine Brigade under Captain Elica V. Honduna, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to promote sustainable community development in the Iranun Corridor.

Accompanying Dr. Magbanua were the following College Extension Coordinators and ESO Staff: Dr. Cherie Mangaoang (CSM), Dr. Analyn Gonzales (CBDEM), Dr. Ellen Joy Farala (CED), Dr. Apple Ureta (CHED), Ms. Anamarie Uyangurin (CASS), Mr. Agripino Agulo (CHS), Mr. Leo Gayao (PALMA Clustre Campuses), Ms Ritchell Torres (ESO) and Ms. Rahima Cabunto (ESO). During the meeting, Director Magbanua unveiled the Unibersidad at Komunidad (UniK) 2024 initiative, featuring the Iranun CROP (Community Revitalization Through Operational Partnerships) program. This holistic extension initiative includes six transformative and need-based projects, each aligned with the strategic plans of the respective municipalities and the resources of the different units in the University. 

“We hope to take the project many steps further. We will be partnering with you hopefully for many years until we develop the Iranun Corridor.”, stressed by Director Magbanua.

Following the meeting, USM-ESO, in collaboration with the Iranun Peace and Development Council (IPADC) and the First Marine Brigade, conducted an environmental scanning of the municipalities in the Iranun Corridor. This assessment focused on identifying their resources and current challenges, such as inadequate plant growth and soil unsuitability,  as well as networking and marketing concerns.

Hon. Pahmia A. Manalao-Masurong, Al-hadja, the mayor of Buldon, welcomed the ESO team with a hearty ‘boodle-fight’ lunch. She likewise expressed her gratitude to the University and the Marines for the initiative of connecting the LGU and the academe in the development of their community resources.  

“Kami ay nagpapasalamat na napuntahan n’yo ang aming lugar at nakita n’yo baka may maitulong kayo sa amin…para mas maparami pa ang community-based farming namin… said Mayor Manalao-Masurong of the visit. 

It was agreed that municipalities would conduct soil analyses and present their findings at a training session at the USM T/C Room on September 5-6. This session is anticipated to be crucial for developing effective strategies tailored to the unique needs of each community.

Text: ROTorres | USM ESO