South Cotabato Agriculture Officials Visit USM for Learning Sites and Benchmarking

Members of the South Cotabato Provincial Agriculture Office visited the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on February 11, 2025, for a learning sites visit and benchmarking activity. This visit aimed to enhance their knowledge of herbs and spices cultivation and processing.

The visiting team included Rhealiza C. Evasco, Agriculturist II; Shaira S. Bañaria, Agriculturist I; and Maricar T. Tionson, Agricultural Technician II. Their visit focused on exploring USM’s agricultural resources and identifying potential areas for collaboration to support their plans for establishing herbs and spices production in South Cotabato.

Mr. Rezin C. Cabantug, a Science Research Specialist, warmly welcomed the visitors and guided them through USM’s Herbs and Spices Garden, where he shared insights into the university’s expertise in cultivating high-value crops. The group also toured USM’s food processing facilities, including the Food Processing and Innovation Center, USM Cacao Post-Harvest Processing Center, and High-Value Crops Food Processing Center. Throughout the visit, the officials had the chance to explore various agricultural products and get a closer look at the processing equipment used in USM’s research and innovation efforts.

The visit served as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and a comprehensive evaluation of USM’s agricultural innovations. By learning from USM’s expertise in herbs and spices production, the South Cotabato agriculture officials aim to apply valuable insights to their local agricultural initiatives, potentially fostering future collaborations between USM and their office.