KIDAPAWAN CITY, SOCCSKSARGEN – Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), through its Center for International Affairs and Linkages (CIAL) and student arm PRISM (Passionate & Responsive Individuals for Strategic Internationalization & Sustainable Development in Mindanao), proudly carried the banner of CMC during the IZN and TNHE Caravan and Culmination of the 58th ASEAN Month Celebration at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, on August 29, 2025. As part of the ASEAN showcase, CMC PRISM represented Laos through the “Senses of the World” booth, which offered a multi-sensory cultural experience that became one of the highlights of the event. Visitors explored curated perfumes inspired by Laotian culture and enjoyed refreshing iced coffee—honoring Laos’ identity as a producer of premium Arabica and Robusta beans from the Bolaven Plateau. To make the experience even more immersive, the booth engaged all five senses: participants searched for ASEAN countries on the map to test their sight, listened to languages, music, and festival sounds to challenge their hearing, identified diverse scents linked to particular nations to stimulate their smell, sampled coffee and milk tea that represented the flavors of ASEAN to indulge their taste, and explored mystery objects to guess which ASEAN country they came from through touch. Together, these activities created a vibrant and interactive cultural journey that celebrated ASEAN’s unity in diversity. In addition, student leaders Cristoper D. Fernando, Jen Mar Maquiling, and Jhun Rey P. Orong delivered a youth pitching presentation that emphasized the role of student volunteerism in promoting inclusivity and sustainability. Their initiative demonstrated how youth-driven collaboration can empower communities and create meaningful change, aligning with ASEAN’s vision of shared growth and solidarity. Adding to the cultural vibrance, the CMC Likhang Pawan Dance Company performed a captivating number, blending artistry and heritage to showcase the rich cultural connections that bind ASEAN nations together. The Caravan also featured eco-entrepreneurship exhibits, youth innovations, cultural showcases, and the ASEAN Youth Forum, offering platforms for students to engage in dialogue on sustainability, inclusivity, and peacebuilding. More than a culminating event, it became a catalyst for collaboration, strengthening partnerships and academic linkages across the ASEAN region. Beyond this event, CMC continues to break boundaries. The institution recently received a Certificate of Commendation from CHED Regional Office XII for its achievement in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – 1501+, reaffirming its role in internationalizing Philippine higher education and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Having championed SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), CMC is now committed to sustaining these gains—proving that local excellence can drive lasting global impact, and that education must go beyond learning to leading, transforming, and building inclusive communities. CHOOSE CMC—where global opportunities meet local excellence, and where education transforms into leadership. #ChooseCMC #TransformativeEducation #ASEAN2025 #GlobalCitizenship #InclusiveLeadership #SDGChampions #CMCandBeyond #RoarCMCLions