USMCEE Announcement
December 4, 2024
USM Hosts Public Forum for USM Presidential Candidates
December 5, 2024
“Di bale nang mahirap, basta mahalaga,” said Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), as she emphasized the importance of reflection and sustainable innovation during Pag-uulat 2024. Held on December 3, 2024, at the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Psychosocial Research & Psychological Testing Center, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato, the event showcased the university’s efforts to advance research and scientific endeavors.
Among the initiatives introduced was the Research, Development, and Extension Information Systems (RDEIS), designed to streamline the monitoring and documentation of student theses. Additional tools, such as an updated RDE website with research templates, a dedicated Facebook page for announcements, and free access to academic journals, were also unveiled. Enhancements to anti-plagiarism protocols were announced, reducing the allowable similarity index to 20% for undergraduate research and 15% for graduate studies.
Dr. Verzosa reflected on the progress of USM’s RDE initiatives, calling 2021 a pivotal year with significant developments, such as the establishment of the TUKLAS Lunas Center for anti-cancer agents and the Business Incubator Facility. She noted that USM was chosen as a Niche Center for RDE Cacao and selected for the Futures Thinking Program, highlighting the university’s growing role in innovation and strategic planning.
USM’s contributions to innovation were underscored by its status as one of only 3.5% of Philippine higher education institutions with a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and the only institution in Mindanao hosting a Regional Yarn Production Innovation Center. These efforts solidify USM’s reputation as a leader in research-driven development.
Dr. Verzosa also noted the university’s growing RDE collaborations, with 142 Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding (MOAs/MOUs) established. Research output has surged, with 187 Scopus-indexed articles published in 2024, a dramatic increase from just one in 2017. Regular platforms such as the Student In-House Review and the 2023 Research Colloquium continue to encourage rigorous academic discourse.
Reflecting on these developments, Dr. Verzosa stated: “We want to produce research that lasts. This is why we reflect on what we’ve done and identify what more we can achieve.”
She also extended her gratitude to USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia, “Dahil sa karunungan ng ating presidente, nagawa nating pag-isipan ang ating mga nagawa at ang mga bagay na kailangan pang gawin,” Dr. Verzosa noted.
The event underscored USM’s ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable research practices that address local and global challenges.
