Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippines
Learning Exercise No. 1

Ross Marl R. Parreñas

1 BSN-B
NSTP-CWTS

I. Identify terms or phrases from the USM Vision-Mission that are for
excellence, service, and values. Write the answer in bullet form below.
EXCELLENCE
• Quality and relevant education
• To be Globally competitive
• For sustainable development
SERVICE
• Quality and relevant education for its clientele
• Help accelerate socio-economic development
• Improve the quality of life

VALUES
• Culture sensitive
• Morally responsive human resources
• Promote harmony among diverse communities

II. Check up!

1. What are the noble ideals of USM founder Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Plang?
Hadja Bai Fatima Matabay N. Plang's vision, selfless efforts, strong
determination, civic-mindedness, personal sacrifices, and genuine concern for
the poor and underprivileged youth sparked the founding of the Mindanao
 Institute of Technology (MIT), now USM, and for that, the entire USM community
is forever indebted.
1. How did the founder prepare herself in realizing her noble ideals?
Our founder, Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay N. Plang prepared herself by
accumulating a rich and wide range of experiences in the field of education and
social work. To have a working knowledge on the operation of a state college,
she had an extensive exploration in different college institutions including the
Berea State College and the Central Luzon Agricultural College.
2. How important are laws in the establishment of an institution?
Laws are important in the establishment of an institution for it to operate legally
and be supported by the government. For example, the Republic Act No. 998
allocated a budget to support MIT’s operations during the 1954-1955 academic
year.

III. Check-up
1. What is the former name of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM)?
Mindanao Institute of Technology ( MIT )
2. What special law gave birth to USM back in 1952? Republic Act No. 763
3. Who was the founder of USM? Bai Hadja Fatima Matabay Plang
4. What enabling law formally opened USM as a college institution of higher
learning? Republic Act No. 998
5. When was USM formally opened? October 1, 1954
6. Who was the Philippine President when the USM was given birth?
President Ramon Magsaysay
7. What special law provides for the transformation of USM as a state university?
Presidential Decree No. 1312
8. Who signed the conversion of USM into a university?
President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
9. How many hectares of land does USM occupy? 1,024 hectares (Kabacan main
campus), 4,091 hectares (Arakan-Valley campus, 14.97 hectares
(Kidapawan City campus). A total of 5,129.97 hectare
10. How many years have we celebrated USM’s birth since its formal opening?
68 YEARS