DAVAO CITY (September 12) — Laughter resonated through the branches of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Fruit Orchard on September 11, 2026, as hands reached into dense canopies to pluck ripe lanzones, vibrant rambutan, and fresh buko. What began as a simple morning of harvesting quickly unfolded into something deeper: a living testament to shared labor, historical legacy, and the sweet rewards of unity during the annual Panagburas Festival.
The term Panagburas—an Ilocano word meaning “to harvest,” originally coined by Prof. Allan Dalo of the Development Communication Department—was first introduced under former USM President Dr. Francisco Gil N. Garcia in 2024. After a brief hiatus, the festival made a triumphant return this year, institutionalized as a permanent highlight of USM’s Founding Anniversary celebrations through the joint leadership of the Office of the Vice President for Resource Generation and Entrepreneurial Services (VPRGES), the University Quality Assurance Office (UQAO), and the Office of the Board Secretary.
Beyond the abundance of produce, the celebration’s heart was rooted in deep gratitude for the people who tend the land. Opening the festivities, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Quenielyn L. Durendes paid tribute to the dedicated farm workers who maintain the orchards through shifting weather and unpredictable seasons.
“Isang USM community. Isang layunin. Isang ani,” VPAF Durendes remarked, emphasizing how the event ties the physical campus together through a shared sense of purpose.
Reinforcing this tribute, Dr. Samsudin S. Panday (VPRGES) reminded participants that every piece of fruit carried a story of invisible labor. “Sa bawat prutas na ating pipitasin ay simbolo ng sipag, tiyaga, at pagmamahal nating lahat,” Dr. Panday inspired students.
For USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, Panagburas offers a vital lesson in resilience and stewardship. Addressing the gathered crowd, he reflected on how collective perseverance yields sweetness even after periods of trial.
“Our harvest today is a harvest of collective efforts,” Dr. Pimentel said. “Some of the greatest contributions we make may not be enjoyed by us, but by those who come after us.”
By honoring the visionary leaders and personnel who planted the orchard decades ago, President Pimentel reframed the day’s haul not just as seasonal fruit, but as a generational gift. Panagburas 2026 proved that when a community honors its past and labors together in the present, its future will always be fruitful. With an article from Charlotte Andrea Tutor
