From Cotabato, Philippines to the World: USM Student Researchers Receive Support from Congresswoman Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos for IOHSK International Conference in South Korea
Reported from Dr. Ruben L. Tagare, Professor at the University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
Published by the International Organization for Health, Sports, & Kinesiology (IOHSK)
March 13, 2026, Los Angeles, California, US
Student researchers and faculty members from the College of Human Kinetics at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in the Philippines recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, Representative of the 3rd District of Cotabato Province, to share their upcoming participation in an international research conference and to express their commitment to representing the province on the global stage.
The delegation, composed of student researchers and faculty advisers who are members of the International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK), is set to present research papers at the 9th IOHSK International Conference, which will be held on July 21–24, 2026, at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. The conference will bring together scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world to present research findings, exchange innovative ideas, and strengthen international collaboration in the fields of health, sports, physical education, and kinesiology.
During the visit, Congresswoman Santos warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed her strong support for the students’ academic and professional pursuits. In recognition of the value and significance of their participation in an international research platform, she pledged substantial financial assistance (20,000 Philippine Pesos per conference attendee) to help support the USM student delegation’s travel and conference participation.
The USM delegation conveyed its heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman Santos for her generosity and encouragement. They emphasized that her support will play a vital role in helping them seize this meaningful opportunity to present their research and proudly represent both the University of Southern Mindanao and the Province of Cotabato within the international academic community.
The delegation also noted that their participation in the conference reflects the strong research capability of USM students and faculty members, while also bringing pride and recognition to Cotabato Province. Through this international engagement, they hope to showcase the academic excellence, dedication, and global potential of Cotabateño scholars.
With the support of leaders such as Congresswoman Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos (Official Social Media at https://www.facebook.com/samanthatsantos/), the USM delegation remains inspired and committed to carrying the name of Cotabato with pride as they take part in this important international conference.
The Board of Directors of IOHSK and its 36,500 members deeply appreciate Congresswoman Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos for her generous support in helping IOHSK members travel to Seoul, Korea, to attend and present their research at the conference on July 22–24, 2026. Through their participation, the students and faculty will not only share their scholarly work with an international audience, but will also proudly represent Cotabato Province on the global stage.
