From Tawi-Tawi, USM Powers Up Research and Innovation

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) strengthened its research and innovation capacity through its participation in the week-long capacity-building program of the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan Innovative Research and Development Consortium (MinSuPala-IRDC) held in Tawi-Tawi from August 14 to 19, 2026.

USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel led the delegation, along with USM Faculty members and staff namely: MinSuPala-IRDC Focal/Project Leader Dr. Lydia Pascual, project staff Dr. Jennet Mag-aso, Dr. Kris June Callano, Prof. Carlito Basay Jr., and Dr. Maribelle Piamonte, and research assistants Benjie Mari, Hazel Joy Besas, and Cheene Vita.

The USM delegation joined researchers, innovators, and representatives from other MinSuPala-IRDC member institutions in a series of training sessions and collaborative activities focused on strengthening regional research and innovation.

The program opened with a Seminar on Innovation in Indigenous Crops and Fish Processing Products, followed by a Workshop on Value Addition facilitated by Asst. Prof. Iannie P. Maribao. The sessions explored ways to turn indigenous crops and fishery resources into high-value products that can support local communities, farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, Atty. Alnasul K. Sali led the Intellectual Property Training, which focused on protecting research outputs and supporting innovation. Engr. Irene A. Bakili followed with a Technology Transfer Training on moving research-generated technologies toward practical applications for industries, communities, and other stakeholders.

Further, the program also strengthened the participants’ skills in communicating research. Prof. Richard N. Muallil led the Scientific Presentation Training, while Prof. Anabel A. Wellms facilitated the Public Speaking Training. Both sessions focused on presenting research findings clearly and effectively to different audiences.

Beyond the training sessions, the activity provided opportunities for the participating institutions to exchange knowledge and build professional connections, strengthening collaboration among research institutions across Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan.

The USM delegation also visited Panampangan Island, Sangay Siapo Island, and the historic Masjid Sheikh Karim-ul Makhdum in Simunul. The visits allowed participants to learn more about Tawi-Tawi’s cultural heritage, history, and communities.

Through the week-long engagement, the USM delegation gained new knowledge and strengthened its networks in research, innovation, intellectual property, scientific communication, and technology transfer. The experience will support USM’s continuing efforts to develop responsive research, advance innovation, and translate research outputs into technologies and solutions for communities.

From Tawi-Tawi, the learning returns to USM—strengthening the University’s work in bringing research, innovation, and technology closer to the people.

Filipino Translation:

Pinalakas ng University of Southern Mindanao (USM) ang research at innovation capacity nito sa pamamagitan ng paglahok sa week-long capacity-building program ng Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan Innovative Research and Development Consortium (MinSuPala-IRDC) na ginanap sa Tawi-Tawi noong Agosto 14 hanggang 19, 2026.

Pinangunahan ni USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel ang delegasyon kasama sina MinSuPala-IRDC Focal/Project Leader Dr. Lydia Pascual, project staff na sina Dr. Jennet Mag-aso, Dr. Kris June Callano, Prof. Carlito Basay Jr., at Dr. Maribelle Piamonte, at research assistants na sina Benjie Mari, Hazel Joy Besas, at Cheene Vita.

Nakibahagi ang delegasyon ng USM sa serye ng training sessions at collaborative activities kasama ang mga researcher, innovator, at kinatawan mula sa iba pang MinSuPala-IRDC member institutions upang palakasin ang regional research at innovation.

Sinimulan ang programa sa Seminar on Innovation in Indigenous Crops and Fish Processing Products, na sinundan ng Workshop on Value Addition na pinangunahan ni Asst. Prof. Iannie P. Maribao. Tinalakay sa mga session ang mga paraan upang gawing high-value products ang indigenous crops at fishery resources na maaaring makatulong sa mga komunidad, magsasaka, mangingisda, at micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Pinangunahan naman ni Atty. Alnasul K. Sali ang Intellectual Property Training na nakatuon sa pagprotekta sa research outputs at pagsuporta sa innovation. Sinundan ito ng Technology Transfer Training na pinangunahan ni Engr. Irene A. Bakili, na tumalakay sa pagdadala ng mga teknolohiyang nabuo mula sa research tungo sa aktuwal na gamit ng industriya, komunidad, at iba pang stakeholders.

Pinalakas din ng programa ang kakayahan ng mga kalahok sa pagpapahayag ng research. Pinangunahan ni Prof. Richard N. Muallil ang Scientific Presentation Training, habang pinangunahan naman ni Prof. Anabel A. Wellms ang Public Speaking Training. Nakatuon ang dalawang session sa malinaw at epektibong paglalahad ng research findings sa iba’t ibang audience.

Nagbigay rin ang aktibidad ng pagkakataon sa mga participating institutions na magpalitan ng kaalaman at bumuo ng professional connections. Pinalawak nito ang collaboration ng mga research institutions mula sa Mindanao, Sulu, at Palawan.

Bumisita rin ang delegasyon ng USM sa Panampangan Island, Sangay Siapo Island, at sa makasaysayang Masjid Sheikh Karim-ul Makhdum sa Simunul. Nakilala ng mga kalahok ang kultura, kasaysayan, at mga komunidad ng Tawi-Tawi sa pamamagitan ng mga pagbisitang ito.

Nag-uwi ang delegasyon ng USM ng bagong kaalaman at mas matibay na network sa research, innovation, intellectual property, scientific communication, at technology transfer matapos ang week-long engagement. Gagamitin ng USM ang mga natutuhan upang higit na mapaunlad ang responsive research, maisulong ang innovation, at mailapat ang research outputs sa mga teknolohiya at solusyong makatutulong sa mga komunidad.

Mula Tawi-Tawi, bumalik sa USM ang kaalaman—upang higit na mailapit ang research, innovation, at technology sa komunidad.