𝗖𝗠𝗖 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼’𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 The future of Mindanao is not waiting, it is already here. August 9, 2025 – This was the prevailing spirit as Mr. Cristoper D. Fernando, President of CMC PRISM, and Ms. April Joy Arances, Editor-in-Chief of The Lions’ Quill, proudly represented Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC) at the Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025, held on August 7–8, 2025 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Now in its 30th year, Kusog Mindanaw gathered over a hundred leaders and advocates from across Mindanao for two days of dialogue, reflection, and action under the theme “Empowering the Successor Generation: A Conference for Multi-Sectoral Young Leaders and Advocates in Mindanao.” For the first time in the conference’s history, young leaders outnumbered elder participants, signaling a generational handover and a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and development. The opening program featured messages from key figures including Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, who urged participants to lead with “puso, utak, at kamay” (heart, mind, and capacity) and Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), who underscored the significance of youth participation in regional decision-making. Chairperson Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig reflected on Kusog Mindanaw’s 30-year journey as a movement for consensus-building, while Johanna Stratton, Political and Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the Australian Embassy, reaffirmed Australia’s partnership in advancing inclusive political transformation in BARMM. Over the two-day program, delegates took part in plenary panels discussing Kusog Mindanaw’s legacy, governance and development challenges, and the future of regional leadership. Workshops encouraged participants to co-create actionable strategies for sustaining advocacy beyond the conference. Nearly 60% of attendees were aged 35 and below, bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to the table. Representing CMC with distinction, Mr. Fernando and Ms. Arances actively participated in these sessions, contributing to discussions and engaging with fellow leaders from across sectors. Their involvement reflects CMC’s mission to mold leaders who are ethical, visionary, and service-driven, and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. CMC affirms its commitment to providing students with opportunities to participate in high-level regional platforms that influence policy, promote peace, and strengthen intergenerational collaboration. As Kusog Mindanaw 2025 concluded, the energy moving forward was described as youthful, hopeful, and ready to build. For CMC, the active role of its delegates is both a point of pride and a testament to the institution’s vision: to cultivate changemakers who carry the torch of leadership with integrity, empathy, and purpose. By Erolle Linus T. Miranda, CMSCO #TatakCMC #CMCLeads #KusogMindanaw2025 #PRISM #TheLionsQuill #YouthEmpowerment #MindanaoLeaders #SDG16 #SDG17 #CMCInternational #TorchbearersOfHope