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The USM Grain, Kabacan (2026)

28/02/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗹'𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Anticipation began to ripple throughout the Surallah Municipal Gymnasium as the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) culminated in its awarding ceremony. Contestants stood ready to vie for victory, eager to bring honor to their schools. Yet, in a field of driven and aspiring campus journalists, Bernard Piñol emerged triumphant, bagging first place in the Secondary Level of Column Writing in English.

The RSPC formally opened on February 25, 2026, at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, setting the tone for the days of rigorous competition that concluded with the awarding ceremony on February 28. Piñol’s achievement in this competition stands as a major milestone, not only as a representative of ULS as a whole but also on a personal level, as he holds the notable honor of securing a first-place finish in the highly competitive field of the RSPC. Under the guidance of his coach, Arabella Soberano, her mentorship also played a significant role in his journey as a journalist.

With this, Piñol finally opens a new chapter, carrying forward the momentum of this remarkable triumph. As unfamiliar paths unfold and new challenges await, his journey reaches a greater stage—marking the conclusion of this chapter and the beginning of another—as he earns his spot at the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) 2026.

24/10/2025

𝗨𝗟𝗦 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆

On October 22, 2025, Teacher's Day was celebrated with a smooth opening from the ULS Rondalla and entertaining entrances from the ULS faculty. This celebration was held at the ULS Convention Hall, where the students laughed, cheered, and, of course, enjoyed it with gratitude to express to the teachers.

The faculty showed their amusement by playing parlor games and actively laughing with their own cheers. The teachers received flowers, chocolates, letters, video presentations, and thankful messages that touched their hearts—along with a small segment of a farewell message for Sir Marthy Gabaisen, one of ULS' P.E. teachers who had enjoyed his last moment at our school.

This celebration gave us the value and purpose for the teachers who have taught us our strengths and weaknesses as a lesson that is part of our lives—also highlighting their lives as teachers who have worked for us throughout our best and worst sides as students.

03/10/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆

On October 1, 2025, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), formerly the Mindanao Institute of Technology founded by Hadja Bai Fatima Matabay Namli Plang, held its 2025 Founding Anniversary at the University Auditorium.

During the program, USM recognized five Outstanding Alumni who excelled in research, education, entrepreneurship, and extension. The awards were presented by Dr. Paul Jhon B. Ongkoy, President of the MIT-USM Alumni Association Incorporated.

The awardees are Dr. Tamie C. Solpot, BSA Plant Pathology, Outstanding Alumna for Research; Dr. Lynette A. Bortia, BSA Plant Pathology, Outstanding Alumna for Administration; Dr. Ronald L. Lunar, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Outstanding Alumnus for Entrepreneurship; Dr. Gary P. Lagatiera, BSE General Science, Outstanding Alumnus for Education; and Dir. Ommal H. Abdulkadil, BSA Plant Pathology, Outstanding Alumnus for Extension.

Honorable Desiderio R. Apag III, D.Eng. PCPE, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and Chairperson of the USM Board of Regents, served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, introduced by USM President Dr. Jonald Pimentel.

The guest speaker, Dr. Apag, ended the program with the message, “As we celebrate this milestone, let us not only look back with pride but also look forward with courage. The world is changing rapidly; artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change, and global competitiveness are shaping the future of education and society. These challenges may seem daunting, and they are also opportunities. Opportunities for institutions like USM to lead, to innovate, and to inspire.”

Closing remarks were delivered by Vice President for Administration and Finance, Quenielyn L. Durendez, bringing the celebration to a meaningful close.

01/10/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 | 𝗘𝗣. 𝟱: 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝟳 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙤 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝟳𝟭𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮

The program was attended by USM faculties, retirees, students and alumni, including the USM President, Jonald L. Pimentel, PhD. This was followed by the B’dadali Dance Troupe and the USM Koro Bulawan which made the program lively.

The event also recognized outstanding alumni who achieved valuable contribution in the fields of research, administration, entrepreneurship, education, and extension. Guest speaker Desiderio R. Apag III, emphasized that the Commission on Higher Education is the reason why USM still lives up to its continued tradition.

🎥: Ern Salazar, Glycelle Arguelles | The Catalyst
💻: Dion Sabanal | The Catalyst
✍🏻: Dion Sabanal | The Catalyst

30/09/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 | 𝗘𝗣. 𝟰: 𝙐𝙎𝙈 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙎𝙈 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The University of Southern Mindanao held its State of the University Address in the USM Auditorium in September 29, 2025, this Monday to address the achievements, the successful projects, collaborations, and future adjustments of the University.

Dr Jonald L. Pimentel, the 8th president of the University of Southern Mindanao, delivered his first State of the University Address, remarking and also conveying the achievements the University has made. Along with having a promising future, that could reshape the University as a whole and serving more purposes. The achievements mentioned by his address are Championships in various national events, a top notcher and 100% passing rates in licensure examinations, and many more. They also look forward to enhance quality education, an increase of capacity of students and staff, and collaborations for projects and community services being made.

🎥: Ern Salazar | The Catalyst, Nicco Aguinaldo | Kalibre
💻: Ern Salazar | The Catalyst
✍🏻: Zyraj Buisan | The Catalyst

27/09/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 | 𝗘𝗣 𝟯: 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙠𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚

The atmosphere is filled with energy and excitement of USMians, as the opening of Pasiklaban 2025 commence, at this moment, 24th of September.

The torch parade symbolizes the burning desire of the students that ignites their wit, skills, and unity. This week-long celebration is set to shatter curiosity and celebrate togetherness, despite differences of organizations. Truly Pasiklaban continues to embrace diverse cultures.

🎥: Ern Salazar | The Catalyst
💻: Dion Sabanal | The Catalyst
✍🏻: Leezi Donque, Kinshayne Macale | The Catalyst

21/09/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰: 𝐔𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

On September 19, 2025, every ULSian was given a spotlight to showcase their creativity, uniqueness, and beauty during the Acquaintance Party 2025. With Carnival as a theme, the entire event was filled with colors, entertaining performances, and special memories that will be immortalized in our minds. Many showed up as queens of hearts, clowns, cowgirls, pirates, showgirls, and more extraordinary characters—showing that everyone has their own ways of expressing themselves. Indeed, just like the line from ‘The Greatest Showman’— “Everyone is special, and nobody is like anyone else.”

The event also featured many lively booths that the students and teachers enjoyed. Many were excited about the countdown to the opening of the booths, as it marked the start of the real fun. There were also food and drink booths, such as cotton candy and the classic Filipino scramble, that made us feel that the carnival spirit was truly alive—healing our inner child.

With every carnival comes the stars of the show. The runway contest was filled with support and cheerful screams as fifteen candidates proudly walked and performed in their majestic outfits made from recycled materials. The runway was the perfect opportunity for candidates to fully express their styles and talents through the Maxi Challenge. From fifteen candidates, only three were chosen to compete for the final round—the lip sync challenge. In the end, Prince De Mesa from Grade 12 was declared the winner, the chosen star, the brightest of them all.

The crowd was also amazed by the showtime extravaganza with three entries from Grade 7, Grade 11, and Grade 12. Singers, dancers, magicians, and actors brought entertainment and enjoyment to the audience, making magic possible on stage. At last, Grade 11 was declared the overall champion of the contest, the star of the show, and the crowd's favorite.

All the stars aligned to make that magical event happen. Now we can say that it's a success, a wonderful experience that will live on through photographs. Acquaintance 2025 showed that every ULSian is special and nobody is like anyone else—that's the point of our show.

21/09/2025

𝐔𝐋𝐒 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟕𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Marking its 71st anniversary, the University Laboratory School (ULS) celebrated ULS Day on September 19, 2025, at the USM Gymnasium, bringing together students, faculty, staff, retirees, and alumni.

Introduced by ULS Principal Prof. Kenny P. Alcantara, keynote speaker Prof. Ronald Z. Pascual emphasized that the school’s culture can be summed up in three words: “Excellence, Grit, and Pride,” reminding students that these values would guide their success in school and beyond.

The program, chaired by Victor Zeus B. Uyangurin, featured welcome remarks, an inspirational message from USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, and student presentations, including a parade, performances by the ULS Socio-Cultural Club, music by the Koro Cantata and ULS Rondalla, and a dance by University New Groove.

Recognized for their contributions, PTA officers received certificates, and Prof. Gina C. Dapon was given a special tribute for her invaluable service to ULS.

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Ma. Leslie C. Sales, Dean of CED, bringing the celebration to a meaningful close. With the theme “71 Years of ULS: Strength in Heritage, Hope in the Future,” the event not only honored the school’s rich history but also looked ahead with optimism for generations to come.

07/09/2025

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟲𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆

Education, innovation, and inspiration—the College of Education (CED)'s three vital components of an unending mission to sustain the light ignited for a promising quality education. Ever since CED was founded in 1961, they have consistently demonstrated their well-known goal to enhance the institution and foster their potential learners. This unwavering importance was the theme itself, “CED @ 64: Patuloy ang Misyon: Edukasyon, Inobasyon, at Inspirasyon,” on the exhilarating celebration of CED Day inside the USM Auditorium on September 4, 2025—highlighting the legacy and history that has emerged from the roots of today's service and education.

On this special day, CED bestowed a recognition to the educators and staff who have shown loyalty and commitment as an aid to the university from 10 to 35 years, alongside the esteemed retirees and professors who have exhibited greatness in their former designations. The loyalty awardees included Rakman A. Sucol, Girlie D. Batapa, Hazel Ann S. Soriano, Christine E. Parrocha, Airene D. Rosete, Ma. Leslie C. Sales, Angelie V. Namia, Muhammad Rajiv D. Buisan, Arabella M. Soberano, and Mary Grace V. Blase—may these educators and staff continue to endow us with their endless service.

Prof. Parrocha expresses her gratitude in being part of the awardees: "This award symbolizes my growth, not only as a teacher/educator, but also as an individual," She continues, "Celebrating this milestone means acknowledging my hard work and perseverance throughout the years. I am just grateful for being blessed to be able to reach this far in my chosen profession." In addition to the recognition, retirees Alicia C. Cabiao and Gina C. Dapon were just as appreciated, as we will forever cherish the contribution they have dedicated for each and every one of us.

On top of that, Kame Ramona Edjz L. Lamata was hailed for the award in ranking 10th as an LET Topnotcher in BSE Mathematics. Lastly, Masts and Scuaa 2024 awardees were also given the spotlight for their keen hustle, together with ULSians who have proved as much of their capabilities in their designated sport. The ULS athletes awarded were General Marc M. Bangoy, Jhon Pierre G. Guzman, Joswil Cyrus D. Gonzales, Lyszyl B. Tesoro, and Rodolfo Arni M. Alba III—along with their coaches, Maybell S. Martin, Marthy Glen R. Gabaisen, and Victor Zeus B. Uyangurin, to guide them through their glaring challenges.

Past the thrill of dedicating these individuals the acknowledgement they deserve, Ma. Leslie C. Sales, EdD, Dean of the College of Education, then gave the stage to the highly anticipated guest speaker of the program—Ched XII Commissioner Rody P. Garcia, MDM, EdD, JD—to finally grasp our attention and listen to his heartfelt story of his journey as a teacher and heed the significance of a teacher as an influence to the student. He even conveyed that when he found out that he was chosen to be the guest speaker for this exclusive event, he just couldn’t say no. After all, he still is part of the legacy of today’s teaching profession. “Kung magaling si teacher, magaling din ang ating mga estudyante.” He shared proudly as he concluded his sincere regards and congratulations to CED with its anniversary.

At last, students have filled the auditorium with a swelling enthusiasm as a final tribute to CED Day. There’ll be many more years to come for the progress of our education, and so, may this remarkable event motivate us all in moving forward for the betterment—as a student to the brilliance of our educators.

03/09/2025

𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝔂𝓮! 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝔂𝓮!

The wait is finally over! Let us welcome the new members of Golden Grain who had successfully passed the screening that was last conducted on August 15, 2025.

To our new fellow members, let this year be your time to shine! Congratulations, and once again, welcome to the Golden Grain family.

30/08/2025

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗛𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮

The vibrant spirit of “Buwan ng Wika” came alive this August 29, 2025 as the much-anticipated main event, Hulagway, took center stage at the ULS canteen. It was no ordinary program. Hulagway blended creativity, performance, and cultural pride into a showcase that proved Filipino stories are timeless and worth celebrating.

The highlight of the event was the stage where students transformed into beloved Filipino fictional characters. From legendary heroes of epics to iconic figures from literature and folklore, participants stepped into their roles with confidence and flair. Each strut, pose, and line delivered wasn’t just about costume—it was about breathing life into the rich imagination of the Filipino people.

Beyond the costumes, the performances carried deeper meaning. By embodying characters created by Filipino writers, storytellers, and artists, students honored the importance of literature and its power to reflect values, struggles, and triumphs. The audience erupted with cheers as familiar characters walked the stage, not only entertaining but also sparking pride in our cultural identity.

Aina Lintongan rose to the top, winning first place with her captivating portrayal of Bayang Diwata, and also earning recognition for Best Intro. EJ Frigillana followed in second with his spirited take on Labaw Donggon, which won him the Best Dula award. Datu Amilbahar claimed third place with his impressive portrayal of Dumalapdap and also took home the Best Book Cover award. Alexander Lim, on the other hand, showcased his sharp responses, earning the Mahusay Sumagot recognition.

The event closed with a powerful message: language is more than words. It is images,
characters, and stories that define who we are as a people. This year’s Hulagway proved that “Buwan ng Wika” is not just about remembering our roots, it’s about keeping our culture alive and celebrating the creativity that makes us proudly Filipino.

23/08/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

University Laboratory School (ULS) honored the Philippines' Buwan ng Wika through its Buwan ng Wika Culmination Program on August 22, 2025, at the ULS Convention Hall, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The celebration was divided into two parts, both highlighting the significance of preserving and promoting the Filipino language and culture, and showcasing how Filipinos take pride in their national language.

The first part of the event featured Larong Lahi, where students actively participated in traditional Filipino games such as Pinoy Garter, Sack Race, Agawan base, Patintero, Luksong Tinik, and Pinoy Henyo. The activity emphasized teamwork, friendship, and the joy of experiencing cultural heritage through play.

The culmination also included other events such as Tagisan ng Talino, Pagbaybay, Pagkuha ng Larawan, Bilao de Gala, and Paggawa ng Vlog. Each competition highlighted the creativity and skills of the students, while strengthening their appreciation of their cultural heritage.

The event concluded with a message emphasizing the role of the national language in connecting and uniting Filipinos across the country’s diverse regions. With this, ULS successfully highlighted the importance of Buwan ng Wika, inspiring students to love, value, and respect the Filipino culture and language.

The USM Grain

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