USM and PRRM Forge Partnership to Advance Rural Development

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) recently formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Extension Services Office on November 14, 2024. 

The partnership seeks to strengthen rural development initiatives, focusing on sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and capacity-building programs. This agreement aligns with USM’s mission to serve as a catalyst for regional growth through education, research, and extension services. 

Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, PhD, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to empower marginalized sectors.

“PRRM and USM have already conducted various training programs, particularly for the fishing sector. We welcome this opportunity to formalize our partnership with PRRM because I believe we share the same vision—not just providing aid but truly capacitating farmers and fisherfolk so they can stand on their own. Ultimately, our goal at the Extension Services Office is to help communities reach a point where they no longer need our assistance, which aligns perfectly with PRRM’s mission. Thank you for this opportunity, and I am confident that this MOA will solidify our collaboration,” she stated. 

PRRM Director Marlon Palomo echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the partnership.

 “It is our pleasure to be part of this undertaking. For PRRM, this marks a significant milestone as we prepare to celebrate our 75th founding anniversary. Established in 1952, PRRM is not the oldest but the boldest non-government organization. As we approach this milestone, we are renewing and strengthening our partnerships,” he said. 

Director Palomo also shared PRRM’s ongoing initiatives and expressed gratitude to USM.

“We thank USM for partnering with us. This collaboration is crucial in our efforts to empower the communities we serve. We’ve established demonstration farms in various PRRM areas. Our goal is to help communities develop leaders from within—individuals who can drive development with their own hands. Beyond climate-smart and community-supported agriculture, we aim to nurture leaders ready to speak, lead, and strengthen their communities, not only in Mindanao but across the country,” he concluded. 

The MOA outlines joint initiatives, including training programs, research projects, and community-based interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability. 

This partnership underscores the vital role of collaboration in driving inclusive development, particularly in underserved rural communities.