USM CASS - Department of Social Science and Philosophy

Calling all Peace Advocates and Peace Educators: 8 days left and earn 8 𝘾𝙋𝘿 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨 for onsite participants!📣

Register now for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

Key Sessions:

𝐾𝑒𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 1: 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 2: 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 6: 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐻𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷 & 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 7: 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝐽𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑟 𝐺. 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑜, 𝑃ℎ𝐷, 𝑀𝑃𝑆𝐴

(𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 3-5: 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠-𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑠!)

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗢𝗪!):
𝗢𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: ₱𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟮,𝟴𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: ₱𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮. 𝙊𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 + 8 𝘾𝙋𝘿 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨!
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱)
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵: 𝗟𝗕𝗣 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻

Account Name: University of Southern Mindanao Faculty Association, Inc.
Account #: 2731105416

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/PLdt1JyW3o12fuCJ8

Confirmation and details sent to your email. All info kept confidential.

Let's unite in teaching peace! 💫

Today is the last day for the early bird registration for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Hurry up and register now!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be mentored by the world-renowned experts in Peace Education.

𝐾𝑒𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 1: 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷
𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 2: 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷
𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 6: 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐻𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷 & 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷
𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 7: 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝐽𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑟 𝐺. 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑜, 𝑃ℎ𝐷, 𝑀𝑃𝑆𝐴
(𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 3-5: 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠-𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑠!)

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗢𝗪!):
𝗢𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: ₱𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟮,𝟴𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: ₱𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮. 𝙊𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 + 8 𝘾𝙋𝘿 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨!
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱)
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵: 𝗟𝗕𝗣 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻
Account Name: University of Southern Mindanao Faculty Association, Inc.
Account #: 2731105416
Register here: https://forms.gle/PLdt1JyW3o12fuCJ8

Confirmation and details sent to your email. All info is kept confidential.

USM Earns National Recognition as Provincial Hub for Volunteerism The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) reached a proud milestone as it received a Plaque of Recognition from the Philippine Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) on […]

🌟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫! 🌟

We're thrilled to open official registrations for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

Organized by the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 (𝐔𝐒𝐌) - 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲 (𝐃𝐒𝐒𝐏) in collaboration with the 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝙋𝙎𝙋𝘿) and 𝐔𝐒𝐌-𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
Theme: "Together as One in Teaching Peace Education"
This event fosters dialogue, understanding, and collaboration for lasting peace in the Philippines. Join us for inspiring sessions with world-renowned experts!

Key Sessions:

𝐾𝑒𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:
𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 1: 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 1, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 2: 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 6: 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐻𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝑇𝑜ℎ 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒-𝐻𝑖𝑛, 𝑃ℎ𝐷 & 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑠, 𝐸𝑑𝐷

𝐷𝑎𝑦 2, 𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 7: 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 – 𝐽𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑟 𝐺. 𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑜, 𝑃ℎ𝐷, 𝑀𝑃𝑆𝐴

(𝑆𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 3-5: 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠-𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑠!)

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗢𝗪!):
𝗢𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: ₱𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟮,𝟴𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: ₱𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 (𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱) | ₱𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 (𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟮)
𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮. 𝙊𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 + 8 𝘾𝙋𝘿 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙨!
𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱)
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵: 𝗟𝗕𝗣 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻

Account Name: University of Southern Mindanao Faculty Association, Inc.
Account #: 2731105416

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/PLdt1JyW3o12fuCJ8

Confirmation and details sent to your email. All info kept confidential.

Let's unite in teaching peace! 💫

FEATURE | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY'S STUDENT-DRIVEN COMMUNITY OUTREACH ENGAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN OLD-KAABAKAN, SGA-BARMM

It was another scorching Saturday morning—December 06, 2025—one of those days when the sun burns the ground with its intense heat. Yet even beneath the blazing sky, one thing shone brighter: the genuine smiles of the children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

The trip from the University of Southern Mindanao to Barangay Ladao, Pedtad, Old Kaabakan, SGA–BARMM takes only 15 minutes by vehicle, but for many of these residents, it means walking for over an hour under the unforgiving sun. Despite the distance and discomfort that they endured daily, they arrived with hope and left with gratitude.

As the children received their school supplies and hygiene kits, joy flickered in their eyes—eyes that carried dreams bigger than the challenges life has placed before them. Each smile whispered of futures they still believe in, of goals that may one day uplift not only their families, but their community as well. Meanwhile, the elderly and PWD beneficiaries were handed gift bags filled with canned goods, rice, noodles, biscuits, and other comforting essentials—simple items, yet deeply meaningful for families striving to get by each day. The spark in their faces, the careful way they held their bags, and the quiet thanks whispered under their breath reflected stories of endurance, resilience, and dreams that continue to rise above hardship.

This humanitarian initiative would not have come to life without the unwavering support of the students from this university, who wholeheartedly offered their effort and compassion. True, such outreach may seem like a temporary remedy—perhaps even a band-aid solution to the pervasive systemic and socio-cultural issues in this community. Yet even small acts of generosity can soften burdens, even just for a while. If this effort lightened the load of even one parent, encouraged one student, or brought comfort to one elder or PWD, then every step taken under the sun was worth it. And this, certainly, is not the first, nor will it be the last.

This is only one step in a continuing journey of service, one more chapter in our commitment to reach those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. We are ready for more, more miles to walk, more hearts to reach, and more lives to touch. On to our next mission, see you, Datu Mantawil Memorial Elementary School, Brgy. Salapungan, Kabacan!



✍️Jessica Hondonero Catigday
📸Alyanna Kusain Lumaguinding
💻Russell Ivan Dave Ali

The Department of Social Science and Philosophy's BS Social Work Program undergoes RQAT Evaluation.

USM Social Work, Economics Programs Undergo RQAT Evaluation Two academic programs of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) to wit, Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Economics have undergone […]

The Legal Aid Workshop and Seminar (L.A.W.S.) Extension Program of the DSSP

The Department of Social Science and Philosophy, represented by Professor Biboy Tumlad, Department Extension Coordinator, and Professor Shaila Mae S. Lucmayan, RSW, MSSW, Program Head of BS Social Work, presented the secondary objectives and goals of the Legal Aid Workshop and Seminar (L.A.W.S.) in the Municipal Mayor's office by Mr. Ben Guzman, alongside Susan C. Macalipat, RSW, MPA, from the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, Kabacan, Cotabato Province.

This extension program aims to actively involve barangay members, with an emphasis on engaging youth and women. The initiative seeks to support the community by enhancing their understanding of their rights, as well as empowering them to uphold these rights effectively.

UPDATE | University of Southern Mindanao College Entrance Examination (USMCEE)

For more details, kindly click the link below. 👇

USM College Entrance Examination (USMCEE) For A.Y. 2026–2027 Date of Registration: November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026 Date of Examination: January 24, 2026 Note:

ICYMI | Policy on the Regulation of the Use of Single-Use Plastics

POLICY ON THE REGULATION OF THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS (BOR Resolution No. 47, Series of 2019) This serves to inform all University stakeholders of the prohibition, exceptions, allowed items, and sanctions related to the use […]

Look | 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲, 1𝔰𝔱 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗔.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮5-𝟮𝟬𝟮6

Final Examination Schedule, 1st Semester, A.Y. 2025-2026 The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) is pleased to release the 1st Semester Final Examination Schedule for School Year 2025–2026. This schedule outlines the official examination dates and times for all courses offered during the semester.

Winds of Challenge, Waves of Unity: The DSSP Story of Faith, Teamwork, and Resilience
Camiguin Island, Philippines – November 2025

What was intended to be a gentle pause from the rhythm of academic life soon became a testament to resilience, devotion, and the quiet power of solidarity. The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy (DSSP) embarked on its annual Rest and Recreation Program with the intention of rediscovering serenity along the shores of Camiguin. Planned for November 7–9, 2025, the retreat at Terrasse Beach Resort was envisioned as a sanctuary—one where reflection mingled with leisure, and where faculty could recalibrate their sense of purpose amid the unceasing demands of teaching, research, and service.
Yet, as the days unfolded and Typhoon Uwan grew nearer, what began as rest evolved into a narrative of unity forged under pressure, like metal tempered in fire.

The faculty arrived on November 7 at around 4:00 p.m., greeted by a sea breeze that carried both warmth and a faint whisper of the storm slowly approaching the island. As the afternoon light softened and the sun dipped beneath the horizon, Terrasse Beach Resort transformed into a lively haven. Laughter echoed across the open spaces, footsteps blended with the sound of waves, and the festive spirit of the gathering grew unmistakable. Clad in bright, floral Hawaiian attire, the DSSP faculty embraced the opening hours of their retreat with a dinner that felt less like a formality and more like a gentle prelude to renewal—an invitation to breathe, unwind, and momentarily set aside the demands of academic life.

By 7:30 p.m., the formal program commenced. The evening opened with an orientation and a meaningful revisit to the goals of the Rest and Recreation (RNR) Program led by the department chair, Prof. Frans Bert D. Gomez, MaEd. In his warm yet compelling address, he emphasized the importance of pausing—of stepping back from routine pressures to regain clarity, restore strength, and prevent burnout. His message resonated deeply, reminding the faculty that rest is not merely a luxury but a vital component of sustained service and purpose.

After the orientation, the program shifted into the much-anticipated teambuilding games designed to rekindle camaraderie and remind everyone of the joy found in shared moments. Even as the winds gradually intensified, howling more confidently against the resort’s structures, the night remained undisturbed in spirit. The night was filled with hearty laughter and continuous teasing, a vibrant testament to the reality that joy can flourish—even defiantly—when the skies begin to darken.

November 8 blended adventure with profound reflection. Before sunrise, the faculty set off for White Island, savoring the calm before the day’s full journey. By mid-morning, they were on their way to Mantigue Island, where crystalline waters and white sand dissolved the fatigue brought by months of academic rigor. The transition from land to sea, and from play to contemplation, continued throughout the afternoon. Visits to the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Church Ruins framed Camiguin’s storied past against the backdrop of the present moment—reminding the group that communities throughout history have weathered their own storms, both literal and figurative.

But the heart of the evening unfolded after dinner, beginning with a quiet yet powerful devotion from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In the midst of growing winds, the faculty grounded themselves in prayer, hope, and collective faith. Immediately after came the Team Work Reflection led by Sir Kenny Floyd Montelija, whose metaphor of stacked glasses captivated the group. As water flowed into the top glass and cascaded to the glasses below, he explained:
“...if we continue to fill the glass with pure passion and spirit, the department may revive and regain its purity towards delivering service to its clients.”
The message resonated deeply. As the glasses filled, so too did the faculty’s conviction that unity was not merely an abstract value—it was a lived practice. The session concluded with a toast, a shared celebration of DSSP’s success, hope for a better future, and its continuous pursuit of service.

By the evening, the winds intensified. The faculty prayed for safe travels for the departure the next day, hoping the storm would weaken. Yet morning arrived with a different reality. The coast guard announced a no-travel order, halting all sea transportation. What was meant to be a three-day retreat stretched into an unplanned extension until November 10. For a moment, the news cast a shadow—resources were dwindling, and plans back home were forced to wait. But instead of frustration, what emerged was acceptance, patience, and an even deeper bond among colleagues.

Their devotion was stronger, enveloping everyone in a positive, calming embrace and a promise of safety. The challenge became an opportunity. Together, they adjusted schedules, shared what they had, and converted uncertainty into meaningful time. In an act of unexpected grace, the resort extended its support, providing for the group despite the extended stay—an echo of the blessings they had prayed for the night before.

In retrospect, the experience mirrored a powerful image; the unexpected extension of the DSSP faculty’s R&R was like metal being forged in fire. While the heat—Typhoon Uwan—posed danger and strain, the process did not break them. Instead, it strengthened them, tempering their unity into something more resilient than before. The delay became a quiet affirmation of the department’s values—devotion, teamwork, and service. In the shelter of Terrasse Beach Resort and in the company of one another, the faculty discovered that unity is not formed in moments of ease but in the tension between fear and faith, uncertainty and trust.

When the seas finally calmed on November 10, the DSSP faculty traveled home carrying more than luggage. They carried renewed purpose, a strengthened appreciation for one another, and a testimony of resilience shaped by both storm and grace. The 2025 Rest and Recreation Program, once meant to restore, was ultimately transformed. It reaffirmed that in DSSP, unity is not a mere ideal—it is the department’s enduring strength. In the face of challenges, the faculty stood steadfast together, proving that teamwork is not just the cornerstone of collective success—it is the very foundation that allows them to rise, rebuild, and continue serving with integrity. In the end, Typhoon Uwan did not disrupt the R&R—it defined it. It became the fire through which the unbreakable bond of DSSP was reforged, brighter and stronger than ever.