CMC PRISM Champions Youth Leadership at Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025

Davao City, Philippines – August 7–8, 2025 - Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), through the Center for International Affairs and Linkages (CIAL), proudly took part in the Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025 held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City, on August 7–8, 2025. The event was participated by CIAL’s student-led internationalization arm, PRISM (Passionate and Responsive Individuals for Strategic Internationalization and Sustainable Development in Mindanao), represented by Cristoper D. Fernando, PRISM President, and April Joy Arances, Editor-in-Chief of The Lions’ Quill.

 

Organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), Kusog Mindanaw, and Australian Aid, the two-day conference gathered youth leaders, policymakers, and governance experts to exchange insights on inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and regional autonomy in Mindanao.

 

Day 1 featured engaging panel discussions on youth participation in governance and sustainable peace strategies. On Day 2, sessions focused on collaborative governance models followed by practical workshops, where participants explored actionable strategies for reform implementation.

 

“The call to lead with puso, utak, at kamay-heart, mind, and capacity-is a principle I will carry forward. ‘Walang problema kung may problema’ is more than a saying-it’s a mindset that encourages proactive, solution-driven leadership. As PRISM President, I’m more determined to lead beyond the campus and toward lasting impact in our communities,” shared Cristoper Fernando.

 

April Joy Arances, representing The Lions’ Quill, emphasized the role of campus journalism and responsible media in amplifying youth voices in democratic spaces.

The participation of CMC PRISM, through CMC CIAL, reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, youth empowerment, and academic diplomacy. Their engagement in Kusog Mindanaw aligns strongly with the following Sustainable Development Goals:

 

 • SDG 4 – Quality Education

 • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

 • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

 

CMC continues to shape leaders who are globally competent, socially responsible, and rooted in the vision of a peaceful and inclusive Mindanao.

 

#CMCPRISM

#CMCCIAL

#LionsQuillCMC

#KusogMindanaw2025

#YouthLeadership

#GoodGovernance

#MindanaoForPeace

#SDG4 #SDG16 #SDG17

#GlobalCitizenship

#CMCLeadsChange

#PRISMForSustainableDevelopment

#CMCandBeyond

#CMCLions

Related Goals 4 16 17