USM Joins 2025 SOPA of Cotabato Governor Mendoza
March 19, 2025
USM President Chairs First Meeting with Admin Council Members
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“Probinsyang malakas, matibay, at handang harapin ang anumang hamon, upang patuloy na magtagumpay, yan ang Cotabato ngayon, ang lalawigang maipagmamalaki ninuman.” Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza started her speech with this resounding message during State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2025, on March 18, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Amas, Kidapawan City, Cotabato.
In her address, Gov. Mendoza underscored the province’s commitment to education, highlighting key initiatives that have benefited thousands of students and educators. She reported that 2,500 college students received financial assistance through the Provincial Scholarship Program (PSP), while 128 public school teachers were supported in pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees under the Postgraduate Scholarship Program. Among the beneficiaries were students and professors from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
To further strengthen her advocacy for education, Gov. Mendoza highlighted the “Padyak para sa Pangarap” program, that provided bicycles to 150 students from USM-Kabacan and USM-Kidapawan City Campus. She also recognized the Tulong Dunong Program, funded by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the 3rd Congressional District of Cotabato for the scholarships to college students of USM.
Beyond education, Gov. Mendoza emphasized the province’s social welfare efforts, particularly under the KALAHI-CIDSS program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided livelihood support through cash-for-work and food-for-work initiatives, which also contributed to increasing the workforce at USM.
Gov. Mendoza concluded her address by underscoring the importance of unity in achieving lasting progress: “Ang ani ng tagumpay ay patuloy nating matatamasa kung tayo ay patuloy na magkakaisa.” These initiatives not only elevate the province’s educational framework but also reinforce USM’s role in community development.
Various partner agencies of the province, including representatives from the University of Southern Mindanao attended the SOPA, that highlighted strong collaboration between the government and the academe.
Jona Mae B. Manuel, Carmille E. Vios | USM DevCom Interns
