USM Satellite SERDAC Holds Final Presentation of Policy Analysis, Research Proposals

The University of Southern Mindanao Satellite Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (USM Satellite SERDAC) in partnership with Development Innovations and Policy Laboratory (DIP Lab), and the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC), spearheaded the Final Presentation and Graduation Ceremony of the Mentoring Program on Policy Analysis and Research Proposal Development in SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM on January 8, 2026, at the College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The activity brought together researchers from Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at USM, Mindanao State University–General Santos City (MSU-GSC), and USM. Participants presented policy-oriented research proposals developed under the mentoring program.

The proposed studies addressed key policy and development concerns in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors, focusing on governance, productivity, sustainability, and socio-economic impacts affecting farming and fishing communities. These research outputs aim to support evidence-based policymaking and informed program development at the local and regional levels.

Each participating institution presented its proposed study, outlining the policy problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. The presentations were reviewed by mentors and experts from UPLB and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), who provided technical inputs and recommendations to further strengthen the proposals. The panel of mentors included Dr. Rogelio T. Andrada II, Dr. Victor Bruce J. Tolentino, Dr. Josefina T. Dizon, Dr. Arnel N. Del Barrio, Dr. Agnes C. Rola, and Dr. Thelma R. Paris.

Representing USM during the activity were Dr. Esmaira Gunsayan, Prof. Metche Anne Longronio, Dr. Romiel John Basan, Dr. Mark Al-Jamie Mutullani, and Prof. Leonila Papalid, together with USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel.

In his message, Dr. Pimentel mentioned that  for USM, innovation is a key direction for its four-fold functions. “We support programs that encourage new ideas, interdisciplinary work, and practical solutions to regional and national concerns. Initiatives such as this mentoring program contribute to that direction,” he highlighted.

The event capped a series of capacity-building initiatives under the program, which began with a four-day Training on Policy Analysis and Research Proposal Development conducted from September 1 to 4, 2025, at the University Skyroom, Administration Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The mentoring program was implemented under the leadership of Dr. Romiel John Basan of USM Satellite SERDAC, with SOXAARRDEC led by Dr. Jerome Julius Ele, DIP Lab with Dr. Maria Luz L. Malabayabas as the project leader, alongside partner institutions committed to strengthening policy analysis and research development in the region.