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The College of Business, Development Economics, and Management (CBDEM) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) officially opened its week-long celebration for its 33rd Founding Anniversary on November 3, 2025, with the theme “DAGYAWAN: Competence Balanced with Discipline Shaping Ethically-Motivated Leaders at 33.”
Dr. Cheryl Dulay, the CBDEM Dean, led the opening program and welcomed the students, faculty, and guests as the college marked another achievement in its history. In her message, she expressed gratitude to everyone who has been part of the college’s growth since its establishment in 1992. She highlighted the importance of looking back with pride on CBDEM’s humble beginnings as the Institute of Development, Economics, and Management, while continuing to look forward to greater goals for academic excellence and leadership.
Following her message, Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the USM President, delivered a heartfelt address recalling his long years of witnessing CBDEM’s transformation. From its early struggles as an institute to becoming one of the university’s strongest colleges today. He commended the college for its remarkable progress in faculty development and research, noting that CBDEM now has some of the most qualified faculty members in the university, many holding doctorate degrees.
“I have seen the transformation of this college from its humble beginnings to what it is now. A strong college with competent faculty and students… CBDEM has fulfilled the dream of producing faculty who are experts in their fields and students who embody competence, discipline, and ethical leadership,” Dr. Pimentel highlighted.
The President also encouraged the college to continue leading in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, areas where CBDEM has shown significant strength and initiative. He emphasized collaboration and unity as essential in pursuing these goals, urging faculty and students alike to “carry others” and strengthen bonds within the university community.
After the opening messages, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to formally open the week-long celebration, attended by university officials, faculty members, and students.
CBDEM’s 33rd Founding Anniversary celebration runs from November 3 to 7, 2025, featuring a series of academic, cultural, and community-oriented activities that show excellence, ethical leadership, and the spirit of dagyawan—a Filipino term that embodies cooperation and shared effort toward a common goal.
