USM Criminology, Psychology Depts. Empower Kabacan PDL
April 15, 2026
USM-ESO Launches Maiden Magazine Issue; Honors Extension Volunteers
April 15, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and 170+ Talaytayan MLE Inc. formalized its partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding on April 13, 2026 at the Administration Building in USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The collaboration covers several key areas, including research and evaluation on the localization of Indigenous language programs, implementation of L1-based MLE, and the conduct of projects that support both national and global language goals. It also includes partnerships with higher and teacher education institutions, as well as agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, local government units, and Indigenous peoples’ organizations.
The agreement sets a shared plan to develop and carry out language and education programs based on Indigenous languages. It focuses on L1-Based Multilingual Education (MLE), where learners first use their mother tongue in school. The partners will work together to design courses, create learning materials, and build systems that support teaching in the mother tongue.
Also, under the agreement, both parties will work together in research and development, monitoring and evaluation, and the promotion of sustainable language and education initiatives. These efforts are aligned with Republic Act 10533, Republic Act 12027, the Global Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
In addition, the partnership aims to develop tools, strengthen expertise, mobilize resources, and produce policies and strategies that ensure inclusive, data-driven, and evidence-based implementation of Indigenous language education programs.
Present during the signing were USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for Research, Development, and Extension, Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, and Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Director for Extension Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua, and Director for International Affairs Prof. Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña. Representing 170+ Talaytayan MLE Inc. was its President, Antonio D. Igcalinos.
