“If You Don’t Innovate, You Risk Being Left Behind,” Says Pres Pimentel During ECE Day 2025
September 23, 2025
USM CEIT Faculty Members Attend Leadership Seminar
September 23, 2025
The College of Agriculture (CA) of the University of Southern Mindanao celebrated its 71st Founding Anniversary on September 12, 2025, at the CA Annex Gymnasium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato, under the theme “Seeds of Tomorrow: From Resistance to Resilience—Celebrating Innovations, Securing Harvests, Sustaining the Future.”
Guest of Honor and Speaker Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, Branch Director of PhilRice Midsayap Experimental Station, discussed the role of modern technologies in advancing agriculture. He cited the applications of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things in pest prediction, crop monitoring, and livestock health, saying these tools can help farmers improve efficiency and sustainability. Abdula also emphasized that farming communities benefit most when institutions, industries, and government work together to provide market access and reduce production costs.
Meanwhile, University President Dr. Jonald Pimentel, in his speech, encouraged students and graduates to use their training to create livelihood opportunities rather than rely solely on employment.
“Instead of asking where to find a job, we should ask how we can use what we learned to employ more people,” he said.
He added that research and innovation must be developed into practical solutions that reach farmers. Pimentel also shared his experiences in public service, pointing out that agricultural development cannot thrive without transparency. He reminded the audience that “public office is a public trust,” stressing that integrity is crucial in ensuring that programs serve their intended beneficiaries.
The weeklong celebration featured sports competitions, literary and musical contests, and agro-fisheries-related activities organized by the Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics in partnership with the CA- Local Student Government.
Seventy-one years since its founding, CA remains focused on educating future agriculturalists and developing innovations that help farming communities adapt and thrive.
