The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the leaders and the residents of Barangay Paquibato Proper for warmly embracing the USeP Malabog Extension Campus (MEC) as part of their community. Since its launch in 2022, the Barangay has served as MECโs first temporary home, which paved the way for the eventual establishment of the campus and brought higher education opportunities closer to the people of Paquibato and nearby Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
On July 29, 2025, USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., together with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, MEC Coordinator Mr. Rolen A. Bocog, and Malabog Barangay Captain Joselito C. Areja, met with Paquibato Proper Barangay Captain John Rey Cabungcag , Paquibato National High School (PNHS) Head Reynaldo F. Manila , and former Paquibato Proper Barangay Captain Meljoseph P. Escobida to formally inform the community about MECโs relocation. Beginning Academic Year 2025โ2026, MEC will move from PNHS to Malabog Central Elementary School (MCES).
โWe are deeply thankful to the community of Paquibato Proper for welcoming and supporting the MEC since 2022. USeP is not leaving Paquibato but only moving to a safer space to continue providing inclusive and transformative education, especially for the IP youth,โ Pres. Gabales emphasized.
The relocation follows the structural assessment conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which found hazards at the PNHS site, including cracks, concrete spalling, and soil scouring. The move prioritizes the safety of students, faculty, and staff, while the University awaits the completion of MECโs permanent campus.
USeP also thanked the City Government of Davao for its assistance in ensuring the safety and readiness of the new temporary site, including the joint assessment conducted by the City Engineerโs Office and the Office of the City Building Official.
Following the meeting, USeP officials visited the new temporary site MCES and MECโs permanent location. The University reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality and accessible higher education to underserved and geographically isolated communities.
Classes of MEC in AY 2025โ2026 will begin at a later date, moved from the original August 11, 2025, schedule to allow for ongoing renovation works at the temporary site within MCES.
Pres. Gabales also proudly announced that MEC will produce its first batch of graduates by next year. This is the realization of the commitment of the University, the dedication of the faculty and staff, and the support of the local government of Davao in making higher education accessible to the area.
