A two-day benchmarking activity by the Cotabato State University-Resource Generation Office (CSU-RGO) team recently concluded, with an emphasis on enhancing knowledge and practices in agricultural sustainability, livestock production, and fish pond management. The team, led by Executive Assistant Raffeq S. Alim, DBA representing Dr. Teng A. Alim, the CSU-Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development for Resource Generation (VPREDRG), visited several notable institutions and farms in Mindanao, gathering insights on advanced farming techniques, forage crop cultivation, and aquaculture management.
The team’s first stop was the University of Southern Mindanao-Main Campus (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato. During their visit, they explored a variety of key facilities integral to the region's agricultural practices. Among the sites toured were the High-Value Crops Food Processing Center, which showcases advanced food preservation and processing technologies, and the Corn Integrated Office, which supports sustainable corn production methods.
A highlight of the visit to USM was the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), a facility focused on improving the production and management of carabaos for sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the CSU team visited the University of Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research and Development Center (USMARDC) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), where they observed research programs on improving local agricultural productivity and fishery practices. They also toured the Mindanao Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center (MFFTC), which focuses on sustainable freshwater aquaculture and fish pond management.
Following their visit to USM, the team traveled to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Mt. Carmen, where they observed innovative farming practices and sustainability models. The MBRLC is renowned for its holistic approach to agricultural development, combining education, sustainable farming, and community development.
The final leg of their benchmarking activity took them to the LAO Integrated Farms Inc. in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Here, the team was able to further explore integrated farming systems that emphasize sustainable and efficient livestock and crop production practices.
The purpose of the benchmarking activity was clear: to enhance the knowledge of the CSU-Resource Generation Team on forage crop cultivation, advanced farming practices, and agricultural sustainability, while also promoting sustainable livestock production and fish pond management. The experience provided valuable insights into best practices that can be adapted and implemented at Cotabato State University, particularly for improving agricultural and fisheries programs.
The CSU team, which included Shaharonie J. Usman, LPT, MAEd, Resource Generation Director; Dr. Mohamidin L. Datu, CSU-Agri Farm Manager; Bahiya A. Kid, CSU-Fishpond Manager; Norhayrisha A. Datu, Agri Farm Secretary and Mr. Macario Dioquino, CSU Fish Pond Worker, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage with experts and learn from the diverse practices observed in the different facilities. This activity marks a significant step toward further enhancing CSU’s resource generation initiatives and its commitment to fostering agricultural sustainability and innovation in the region.
The two-day benchmarking activity not only to improve the team's practical knowledge but also reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving agricultural and fisheries goals that promote long-term sustainability.
