USM Celebrates Kailian Festival to Honor Indigenous Culture
October 9, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) along Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), and DOST XII convene for an inception meeting on October 9, 2025, at the USM Skyroom, Administration Building, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The meeting gathered stakeholders and partners to smoothly implement the project which aimed at improving coconut productivity and quality through soil and water management. Also, central to the discussion during the meeting were to further develop and improve current methodologies, streamline logistic and accounting processes, and strategize evaluation and monitoring plan.
Dr. Leilani D. Pelegrina, Director, Crops Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD, spoke of her interest to continuing partnership with USM as one of their trusted partner academic institutions in research and innovation.
“USM has long been one our trusted partners of DOST-PCAARRD regarding advancing research and development, not only in coconut, not only in RND, but to other commodities as well… Today, I am very happy that we are officially commencing another project here in USM.” she underscored.
In her message of support, Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa responded by expressing her assurance to DOST-PCAARRD to accomplish all requirements and exert all efforts for the success of the project. Moreover, Dr. Verzosa recognized the vital role of DOST-PCAARRD to supporting USM uplift lives through providing sufficient funding for innovation in agriculture and implementation of extension programs to farmers in southern Philippines.
With USM’s solid commitment to research, the university reinforces its role to broader agricultural innovation while strengthening its capacity to develop possible solutions to resolve modern faced agricultural concerns.
The DOST-PCAARRD team led by Director Pelegrina paid a courtesy visit to USM President DR. Jonald L. Pimentel prior to the meeting.
