USM CEIT Finds Two New Partners
April 2, 2026
USM, Hiroshima University Explore Stronger Cacao Partnership
April 2, 2026
To highlight the university’s impactful research, development, and extension projects, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Unit successfully conducted its 45th Annual In-House Review on March 30-31, 2026, at the USM Commercial Building.
With the theme “Impact-Driven Research for Sustainable Growth,” the event gathered researchers, innovators, and extensionists who competed for top honors in the categories of Basic Research, Applied Research, Development, and Extension.
In her welcome remarks, Vice President for RDE Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa challenged participants to view the review not merely as a matter of compliance, but as a vital opportunity for professional growth and institutional movement.
“To our participants, I challenge you to regard this activity not just as mere compliance of your special orders, but to fully engage with the process. To listen carefully, reflect deeply, and absorb the insights of our highly qualified evaluators, using this as a springboard for growth in the continued movement,” Verzosa stated.
As the event transitioned, sessions were divided into four breakout rooms. Under the extension category, 15 extensionists showcased their projects’ implementation procedures and milestones. These projects were meticulously evaluated by a panel of experts, including Dr. Samsia A. Ibrahim, Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, and Dr. Marcelina O. Bahalla, who provided rigorous assessments and constructive critiques to further improve each initiative.
Out of 15 competing papers under the extension category, “BIO-NIHAN PARA SA KALIKASAN: Sustainable Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation Phase II,” led by Cherie C. Mangaoang, clinched 1st Place. Meanwhile, “Livelihood Enhancement for the Vulnerable Communities to Lives and Unlock Potentials (LEVEL-UP) Phase I,” led by Romiel John P. Basan, won 1st Place for Best Poster.
In addition to the top honors, several other projects were recognized for their significant contributions to community transformation and sustainable livelihood initiatives:
Best Papers
2nd Place: “Collaborative Networking and Engagement for Community Transformation (CONNECT)” | Project Leader: Ritchel O. Torres
3rd Place: “Community Action and Rural Bonding Services (CARBonS) Project: Advancing Sustainable Livelihood through VCO and VCO-based Product” | Project Leader: Marivic B. Candari
Best Posters
2nd Place: “CBDEM Delicacies: Capacity Building Demonstration and Enterprise Development of Maguindanaon Delicacies” | Project Leader: Analyn A. Gonzales
3rd Place: “Community Action and Rural Bonding Services (CARBonS) Project: Advancing Sustainable Livelihood through VCO and VCO-based Product” | Project Leader: Marivic B. Candari
“Napakasarap matulog kapag alam nating ang mga extension projects natin ay nagbubunga at talagang nakatulong sa mga target people natin,” remarked Dr. Marcelina O. Bahalla, expressing her profound fulfillment in the tangible results of the university’s extension efforts as the presentations concluded.
The successful review was marked by a closing message from Dr. Jalaloden M. Marohom, Director of the USM Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (IP-TTBDO).
“Innovation is no longer measured by how much we produce, but by how much impact we create. This Annual In-House Review reflects the University’s commitment to ensure that our work goes beyond academic outputs and translates into meaningful solutions for our communities,” Marohom stated.
The successful conclusion of the Annual In-House Review serves as a testament to USM’s rigorous standards in monitoring government-funded initiatives. By ensuring that every research and extension project undergoes a meticulous evaluation, the University guarantees that public investments are translated into high-quality, relevant, and impactful results. True to its theme, USM continues to prioritize the development of scalable solutions that address the most pressing needs of its stakeholders.
