Kusog Mindanaw 2025 Launches in Davao City, Marks Transition to Youth-Led Leadership
- Details
- IAG Philippines
Davao City, August 7 — The Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025 officially opened today at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, gathering over a hundred leaders and advocates from across Mindanao for two days of dialogue, reflection, and action.
Now in its 30th year, Kusog Mindanaw continues to serve as a vital platform for multi-sectoral consensus-building on peace, governance, autonomy, and development. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Successor Generation,” marks a pivotal shift toward youth leadership and intergenerational collaboration.
Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat delivered the keynote address, urging participants to lead with “𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘰, 𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘬, 𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘺”—heart, mind, and capacity—and to embrace their role as public servants, community stewards, and catalysts of transformation. “Politics is temporary,” he said. “Legacy is forever.”
Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), welcomed participants by acknowledging the energy of both seasoned leaders and emerging changemakers. “For the first time, young leaders outnumber the elders in Kusog,” he noted, signaling a generational handover.
Chairperson Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig reflected on Kusog’s origins and enduring mission. “This is not just a conference—it is a movement,” he said. “We proudly pass the torch of hope and responsibility to the next generation.”
Johanna Stratton, Political and Public Diplomacy Counsellor of the Australian Embassy, reaffirmed Australia’s long-standing partnership with IAG and support for inclusive political transformation in BARMM. She emphasized the role of civil society and young leaders in shaping Mindanao’s future, especially amid the region’s evolving political and development landscape. Stratton also highlighted Kusog Mindanaw’s alignment with Australia’s values of local leadership, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
The conference features panels on Kusog Mindanaw's legacy, Mindanao’s current challenges, and the future of regional governance. An exhibit area showcases Kusog Mindanaw's history and offers free publications to participants.
Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2025 is supported by the Australian Government.