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OPAg Cotabato, USM Gather for Agricultural Progress
June 25, 2024![](https://www.usm.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/template-for-website-6-150x150.png)
MinDA Chair Magno graces USM 78th Commencement Exercises as Guest of Honor, Speaker
June 28, 2024![](https://www.usm.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Graduates.png)
With 2,564 graduates from eleven (11) colleges, two (2) institutes, and its graduate school, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) marked its 78th Commencement Exercises on June 28, 2024, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Leo Tereso A. Magno, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson, graced the program as the guest of honor and speaker. In his speech, Magno highlighted the importance of excellence and service that USM instilled in the graduates.
“Remember, learning doesn’t stop after graduation. In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning and adaptability are key. Embrace every opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a difference.” He underscored.
The USM Board of Regents (BOR), USM President, Director Akmad J. Usman, CPA of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Region XII, Mayor Evangeline Guzman of LGU-Kabacan, Gov. Emmylou T. Mendoza, MNSA of the Cotabato Province, members of the Administrative Council, faculty members, staff, and parents attended the ceremony.
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As the highlight, it is the first time in USM history, through the direction of the University President, Francisco Gil N. Garcia, PhD, to distribute the original copies of the diploma during the ceremony. In addition, the Francisco Gil N. Garcia (FGNG) award for leadership was given to Rica May T. Baloyo, the former Local Student Government (LSG) Governor from the College of Agriculture, while Ann Julie Febreo, the class valedictorian, and John Ryan Fernandez, the class salutatorian, received the FGNG excellence award for the academics.
Further, Baccalaureate Services and Cluster Graduations transpired on July 26 and 27, 2024, at the University Auditorium. Ustadz Abdulgani Tumalao and Sheik Mahmod S. Ahmad graced the event as the Baccalaureate Speakers of Clusters I and II, respectively.