Davao City, August 7 — Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu opened the Kusog Mindanaw 2025 Conference by urging participants to be “critical catalysts of change.” He reminded the audience that “politics is temporary—it comes and goes,” but leadership built on puso, utak, at kamay—heart, mind, and capacity—leaves a lasting legacy. His keynote marked a shift in Kusog Mindanaw’s history, as younger leaders stepped into more visible roles in a platform that has convened Mindanao’s thinkers and movers since 1994.

Mangudadatu underscored that leadership isn’t bound by age, gender, or tribal identity. “Age is just a number,” he said. True leadership, he explained, rests on three traits: puso (compassion), utak (a clear plan and vision), and kamay (the ability to act). “We must use these to the best of our abilities,” he added.

He cast public service as a responsibility entrusted by the Creator. “When we stand delivering our public service, remember that you are the servant of God,” he said. “Second, we have to stand as fathers and mothers of our constituents. Third, we are public servants. When elected, we are not the king or queen, or the boss. Fourth, we are Filipinos. The values of Filipinos must be demonstrated by Filipino leaders.” He warned against losing sight of these roles: “Many politicians forget being the servant of God, mother/father, public servant, and Filipino. All they think about is the political color.”

Mangudadatu called for a shift toward solution-based governance. “We want to introduce a solution-based governance, where we engage to identify the problem, empower communities to solve them together, and excel in the delivery of public service. Hindi pwedeng for compliance lang (not just for the sake of compliance). But for progress, development, and transformation.”

He urged leaders to create platforms for young people. “Youth leaders are community leaders and nation builders,” he said. “Leaders should give platforms and opportunities where young people can showcase their potential and talents.” He noted the mismatch between ideas and resources: “So many innovative ideas and business proposals, but there are no resources. Some have abundant resources but fewer ideas and proposals.”

He closed with a call to action: “All must be catalysts of change. Change begins within ourselves. Leaders only guide us. Thus, admit where we are strong and where we are weak.”

Kusog Mindanaw was established in 1994 by civil society networks including MPAC, MINCODE, and TACDRUP, with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. Its first conference in 1996 focused on federalism as a response to historical injustices and governance challenges in Mindanao. Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado Jr., an Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) priest deeply engaged in Muslim-Christian dialogue, became its long-time chair and moral compass. Today, it continues under Chairperson Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig and leaders such as Lito Monico Lorenzana, Atty. Michael Mastura, Amina Rasul-Bernardo, Atty. Benedicto Bacani, and Mary Jacqueline Fernandez—championing participatory governance and intergenerational leadership.

Governor Mangudadatu’s keynote framed the next chapter of Kusog Mindanaw as one led by young leaders who act with purpose, build platforms for others, and carry forward the movement’s legacy with clarity and resolve.

Supported by the Australian Government, Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025 runs until August 8.