By Crisver Hinayon
October 17, 2025
KABACAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) — State-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, will continue to pursue growth in academic excellence, social relevance, and financial sustainability, university president Dr. Jonald Pimentel pledged during his first state of the university address (SUA) recently.
“USM remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to provide exceptional instruction, and we are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of education we deliver to our students,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel emphasized that collaboration is vital for USM to continue being a beacon in its community and field.
This approach, he stated, will not only sustain its present achievements but also motivate future generations through a commitment to educational excellence and innovative practices.
“I am confident that through our collective effort, USM will continue to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and hope,” he said.
On his 288th day in office, the president used his SUA to detail USM’s future direction, focusing on improvements in four core areas: education, research/innovation, community service, and financial sustainability.
Presenting the strategic plan, Pimentel emphasized the university’s primary goal: to provide high-quality, inclusive, and accessible education that prepares students to thrive in a competitive global environment.
USM will achieve this, Pimentel emphasized, adding that the university will continuously improve the curriculum and secure stronger program accreditation to ensure academic excellence and global relevance.
In addition, the institution is poised to strengthen international partnerships to facilitate student and faculty exchanges that provide global perspectives and advanced knowledge.
In research and innovation, USM aims to establish itself as a hub for innovation and impactful research that directly tackles societal issues and challenges by prioritizing socially relevant and multidisciplinary research in vital areas such as health, environment, technology, community development, and economic resilience.
USM also underscored its commitment to enhancing its support for researchers by increasing funding, building capacity, and upgrading infrastructure to improve the quality and impact of their work.
Pimental further stated that the university plans to strengthen its extension services, which bring university expertise and resources to the public, by focusing on delivering programs that are responsive, relevant, and sustainable.
He also vowed to deepen partnerships with local governments, industries, and community organizations to co-create solutions that empower local communities and improve their quality of life.
He added that by integrating diversity and inclusion principles in all activities, it will ensure marginalized groups have equal access to resources and opportunities.
To ensure long-term stability and growth, the university will also strengthen industry partnerships, develop socially responsible enterprises, generate income through the commercialization of research, and optimize the use of its land and property assets.
“The achievements and future directions of the University are firmly built upon the strong foundation laid by previous administrations,” Pimentel said.
He urged the public to continue building a more inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected university.
Pimentel also acknowledged both the hard work of individual people and the shared dedication of everyone involved to making the university better and more successful.
“Our achievements reflect not only our individual efforts but also our united commitment to the growth and success of our university,” he pointed out. (CSH, PIA Region 12)