USM, LGU M’lang Ink MOA to Strengthen USM M’lang Extension Classes

Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, President of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), and Hon. Emmanuel M. Abonado, Municipal Mayor of M’lang, Cotabato, officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to officially solidify their partnership in expanding educational opportunities through the USM M’lang Extension Classes on November 13, 2025, at the Mayor’s Office in the Municipality of M’lang, Cotabato.

In his message, Mayor Abonado, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed for the establishment of USM M’lang. 

“Since 2019, I see the establishment of USM M’lang as a very good direction towards the progress of M’lang. We will make sure that no one will be left behind,” the Mayor remarked. 

He reassured that under his administration, everyone, especially students who wish to enroll in USM will receive the support they need, as he believes that education is one of the key pathways to achieving one’s dreams. He also expressed his gratitude to the USM Administration, the Provincial Government, and the department heads of LGU M’lang for their continued support.

Meanwhile, President Pimentel, reassured that the signing of MOA is the beginning for both parties to go forward. He mentioned that USM  also envisions to make a difference among the lives of its constituents. 

“This [establishment of USM M’lang External Classes] will create a big impact in the municipality to the economy, education, and community… we will follow regulations, we will be partners not competitors, in all our endeavors for the good of the people of M’lang,” Dr. Pimentel spoke. 

Before the MOA Signing transpired, the turnover ceremony of the covered court for the Extension Classes was held at Barangay Tawan-tawan, M’lang. Dignitaries from the provincial government of Cotabato joined the occasion.  The facility is sponsored by Hon. Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), and 3rd District of Cotabato Representative, Hon. Ma. Alana T. Santos.

Hon. Ella Taray, the Vice Governor, emphasized in her speech that the provincial government remains committed to supporting Cotabateños in their pursuit of quality education. She noted that the newly built covered court will provide students with a valuable space for conducting their various school activities.

Hon. Cleofas M. Tupas, Municipal Councilor, recounted how the USM M’lang Extension Classes came to be. She shared that the idea started during their 2018 campaign, together with Atty. Russel Abonado, then Mayor of M’lang. Their goal was to establish a community college that would serve students who could not afford to study in universities far from M’lang. From the beginning, they envisioned the institution to be government-owned so that education would be free.

Hon. Tupas acknowledged the many individuals who contributed to the project. She explained that they completed all the required documents for the establishment of the Extension Classes with the support of the USM Administration and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). She proudly noted that USM M’lang was officially established in 2020. Hon. Tupas expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported their vision—from the early stages of their campaign to the moment it became a reality.

To date, the Extension Classes offer programs like BS Criminology under USM Main Campus, and Bachelor of Industrial Technology major in Automotive Technology, under the leadership of t Dr. Ronielyn F. Pinsoy, the USM-Kidapawan City Campus Chancellor.