USM President Garcia delivers heartfelt message at Ulat ng Pagtatapos at Pasasalamat 

President Francisco Gil N. Garcia, the 7th President of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), delivered his message of gratitude to various individuals and groups during the Ulat ng Pagtatapos at Pasasalamat on December 09, 2024, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

In the beginning of his speech, he borrowed the lyrics of One Direction’s Night Changes: “Does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes? But there is nothing to be afraid of even when the night changes, it will never change me and you,” referring to the end of his term as USM President and his relationship to the whole USM Community.

He said: “Tama po, it will never change me and you, dahil sa loob ng sampong taon na ako’y inyong Presidente marami po tayong nagawa, napatunayan at nadamang pagbabago… Ito po ang USM noong  ikaw at ako ang magkakasama.”

Several names of people were mentioned in his speech. He thanked the Commission on Higher Education, Board of Regents, senators, congressional representatives, Provincial Government of Cotabato, the Municipal Mayors of the USM Main and external campuses, partner agencies and offices. Additionally, he also expressed thanks to the late USM Presidents, his former and present Vice Presidents, administrative council members, external campus heads, and the University Laboratory School (ULS). Moreover, he acknowledged faculty members, non-teaching personnel, alumni, retirees, professor emeriti, and fraternal brothers and sisters. Lastly, he recognized all the personnel under the Office of the President for the strong support they rendered during his term. 

Jokingly, the President admitted that it was not easy for USM employees to have him as the boss. He said he was aware of how nervous people get every time he calls,  especially when he asks them to come to his office. Then he underscored: “I am forever grateful, the time I spent with all of you has been challenging, rewarding, and wonderful, it wasn’t perfect, but I say it was just right.”

In the end of his talk, he mentioned few things he hopes the university will accomplish under the leadership of the new President. He looks forward for the full implementation of Industry 4.0, make USM a smart University, and prepare for the coming Industry 5.0. The President also mentioned that he dreams for USM to have dual degree program offerings, open university, and offer new programs that will address the future demands of the working community. He further aims to strengthen and revitalize the RDE and RGES functions of the University.

President Garcia started his term as USM President on February 14, 2014, and will end in January 2025. The Ulat ng Pagtatapos at Pasasalamat served as his last State of the University Address (SUA).