USM-CHEFS Equips Bongolanon Women with Tourism and Livelihood Skills
November 14, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao led by USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel along with USM Planning Officer III Jean Austria attended the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) XII 2nd semester meeting facilitated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII on November 12, 2025, at the Habi Hotel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The meeting focused in agenda centered to ensuring the efficient implementation of programs, improving policy and education, foster transparency and gather updates on growing concerns of the region to be addressed. Moreover, the meeting further discussed the establishment of the Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) Academy that is believed to be the first in the Philippines.
Promoting excellence in legislation, the meeting highlighted a movement to extend help to the Sanguniang Bayan (SB) of every Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region through approving a proposal of the ONE Regional Inter-Agency Convergence Team (ONE REACT). The initiative is designed to equip and empower municipal legislators in the region to be sufficiently competent in crafting legislation and be recognized in the national level, a form of validation to gain trust from the people.
In his message of support, President Pimentel expressed his eagerness to be part of a small yet growth-influenced group which prioritizes growth and excellence in service to the people.
“Rest assured, our technical experts will be your helping hands.” He said.
MSAC XII is a body composed of diverse set of representatives from various sectors in region XII including government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), Academe, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and local resource institutions which unite to uplift communities through effective programs, policies, strategic directions, and help harmonize systems by fortifying partnerships among different groups.
To strengthen the collaboration between partner agencies and institutions, a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place thereafter the adjournment.
