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Los Baños, Laguna — A communication episode featuring a community-based livelihood initiative supported by the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) earned top recognition during the 19th Gandingan Awards, at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB), on April 26, 2025.
The episode, “Tableya: Pangkabuhayan para sa Kotabatenyong Pamayanan,” aired under the Lakbay GALING series, was named the Most Development-Oriented Livelihood Program by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society (UP ComBroadSoc) — a distinction that highlights outstanding communication efforts in promoting grassroots development.
Produced in collaboration with the Applied Communication Division and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the episode spotlighted the efforts of the Aleosan Cacao Farmers Association in Cotabato and their journey in tableya (cacao tablet) production—a sustainable livelihood initiative aimed at improving rural incomes and promoting agri-entrepreneurship.
The Lakbay GALING series, which features science-based rural innovations across the Philippines, expressed hopes of continuing its partnership with USM in future episodes to showcase more initiatives that empower communities in Mindanao.
The Gandingan Awards is an annual development communication recognition program organized by UPLB’s College of Development Communication. It honors media and communication initiatives contributing to social transformation, especially in rural and underserved communities.
