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Congratulations to Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel on Becoming the 8th President of the University of Southern Mindanao
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Tulunan, North Cotabato – The University of Southern Mindanao Extension Services Office (USM-ESO) conducted an environmental scanning in Bacong, Tulunan, Cotabato on February 13, 2025, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bacong, and Bacong National High School (BNHS).
BNHS Head Teacher I Julie C. Hinaut and the faculty members, along with BNHS PTA President Analou D. Edian and representatives from Bacong Elementary School (BES) warmly welcomed USM-ESO Director Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua and the ESO team.
The discussion focused on establishing BNHS’s official school newsletter through the assistance of the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL), following the request from the BNHS faculty. This initiative aims to enhance the school’s visibility, encourage out-of-school youth to return and develop the writing skills of both faculty members and students. Additionally, the discussions explored potential culture-related extension initiatives to support the school and the local indigenous community.
In explaining the importance of environmental scanning for extension projects, Dr. Magbanua highlighted the need to align local resources with university-led programs and emphasized the need for cultural preservation efforts in the Blaan community existing in the area.
“…Makita ang resources na available sa inyo at ma-align sa technical expertise na meron kami,” She emphasized.
“Bacong is a culturally rich area, and ESO hopes to help preserve the cultural practices of the indigenous community so that the future generation will be proud of their identity,” she added.
Following the program, Barangay Chairman Hon. Victor P. Acac, Sr. led a visit to the School of Living Tradition (SLT), where ESO outlined possible long-term extension projects. These include livelihood initiatives such as abaca wine production, beadwork, tabih weaving, and documenting and digitalizing Blaan cultural heritage to preserve and promote indigenous traditions.
Prof. Anamarie B. Uyangurin, the College of Social Sciences (CASS) Extension Coordinator; Dr. Orfelina M. Ajero, the DELL Chairperson; Prof. Elangbai B. Bimasingkil, the DELL Extension Coordinator; and Prof. Estella B. Barbosa, a DELL Faculty member, were also present during the activity.
The initiative aims to strengthen community engagement and promote sustainable development in Bacong through education, cultural preservation, and collaborative projects.
