USM honors 48 Tricycle Drivers for Honesty
October 1, 2026
Romeo F. Hechanova, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Agronomy in 1976, returned to the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 2026 Founding Anniversary on October 1 at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Now the President and CEO of Evo Gene Seeds Corp. (EGSC), he began his speech by looking back on his career in agriculture, from earning ₱12 a day as a farm worker to leading corn research programs in the Philippines and abroad.
Hechanova shared that he started working at the Bureau of Plant Industry as a daily-paid farm worker.
“After graduation, the first thing that we will be doing is to seek employment. And I did mine,” he mentioned.
In 1977, Hechanova joined Pioneer Overseas Corporation, where he worked in corn research. He learned early to accept corrections and learn from others. His work later took him to Japan, where he led a research team. When his Japanese co-workers did not follow his instructions, he worked alongside them on the farm. Seeing him lead by example, the team eventually joined him. “That’s persuasion without use of force,” he said.
For Hechanova, the experience also showed him that being given a position does not automatically mean being respected. “Respect is not given. I have to earn it,” he said.
He later worked in corn research and plant breeding with Pioneer, the Ayala Group, and Dow AgroSciences before founding EGSC in 2010. The company started with five employees and grew to 124 employees in 2024. EGSC develops and distributes hybrid corn seeds and conducts seed trials in the Philippines and other countries.
Hechanova also highlighted USM’s contribution to Mindanao. He cited its graduates working in government, banks, and private companies as part of the University’s contribution to the growth of the region and the country.
“I guess, the university has contributed a lot to the growth not only of Mindanao, but I guess, for the growth of the whole country,” the GOHAS stated.
Hechanova also recalled his years as a student at USM, where he spent four years before beginning his career.
“My first time in the ground of this university was 54 years ago. My walking, jogging, and running in the ground of this university lasted for 4 years,” he said.
From his first job after graduation to his research assignments, Hechanova shared his experiences with students preparing to leave the University and start their careers.
