Dr. Rody P. Garcia Joins USM-KCC’s 25th Integration Anniversary

The University of Southern Mindanao-Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC) celebrated its 25th Integration Anniversary on January 3, 2025 that brought together students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and local officials. Dr. Rody P. Garcia, the Regional Director of Commission on Higher Education XII and the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President of USM, made the celebration even more special as he served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker. 

Dr. Garcia, a respected figure in the field of higher education, delivered an inspiring speech that captured the essence of USM-KCC’s journey over the past 25 years. He began as he talked about USM-KCC’s origins and reflected on how it transitioned from being a CHED-supervised institution to becoming a very good example on academic excellence in Region XII.

“University of Southern Mindanao is not solely a regional pride; it is the only world-ranking institution in Region XII,” he proudly declared. He also highlighted USM’s role as a training ground for agriculture programs, a testament to its contribution to the nation’s educational landscape. 

Throughout his speech, Dr. Garcia emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving success. “We cannot work alone. We must work together to improve the services we provide to our communities,” he said.

He appreciated USM-KCC for its dedication to producing quality graduates, particularly in engineering, where the campus has consistently excelled. “You are one of the top-performing campuses in the country when it comes to producing engineers. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement,” he added.

Dr. Garcia also stressed the critical role of research in driving progress and improving lives. He urged the university to focus on research that directly benefits the local community. “Research should be the heart of this university. It should aim to uplift the lives of people and improve their economic status,” he mentioned. He expressed his hope that the university’s programs would soon be recognized as a Center of Excellence and Center of Development, a goal he pledged to support during his tenure at CHED. 

Innovation was another key theme in his speech. As a system analyst and software developer, he shared his passion for using technology to solve problems and improve efficiency. “Innovation is the driving force of progress in today’s world. I envision USM-KCC evolving into a hub of advanced technology, focusing on innovation and data analytics,” he said. He called for transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in all aspects of the university’s operations, ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed about its achievements and contributions. 

The celebration also honored the individuals who have played a vital role in USM-KCC’s success. Dr. Garcia took a moment to acknowledge their contributions, saying, “The alumni are the living proof of why this institution has thrived for 25 years. Let’s give a round of applause to them, to our teachers, and to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

In his closing remarks, Dr. Garcia left the students with a message of hope and determination. “When you graduate and walk out of this institution, be experts in your fields. Make USM-KCC proud, because you are the reflection of what this institution stands for,” he said.

As Dr. Garcia concluded, “Let’s keep working together, collaborate, and be successful in everything we do.”