LOS BAÑOS, Laguna. The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) to broach areas of collaboration in faculty development, grants, and trainings.
The exploratory meeting with the officials and faculty members of USM headed by university president Dr. Francisco Gil Garcia was held on 28 March 2023. With him during the visit were Prof. Marcos Monderin, dean of the College of Arts; Engr. Sheila Bautista, professor of mathematics and Dr. Ronielyn Pinsoy, chancellor, both from the USM-Kidapawan Campus.
Located in Mindanao, USM's mandate is to "help accelerate socio-economic development, promote harmony among diverse communities and improve quality of life through instruction, research, extension and resource generation."
The meeting centered on how SEARCA can help USM in providing opportunities for its faculty members. Dr. Garcia also expressed his keen interest in applying USM to be a member of the SEARCA-established Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC).
The USM contingent were received by Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director; Dr. Nur Azura Adam, SEARCA deputy director for programs; Dr. Maria Cristeta Cuaresma, senior program head of Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD); Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, program head of Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD); Ms. Sharon Malaiba, head of the Partnerships Unit; and Ms. Beatrisa Martinez, executive coordinator, Office of the Director.