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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) hosted the Internationalization and Transnational Higher Education (IZN and TNHE) Caravan & ASEAN 2025 Youth Forum, bringing together students, educators, and partner institutions from across Region XII to tackle the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” on August 29, 2025, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Regional Director Engr. Phlorita Riadao, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development XII, in her speech, underscored the importance of equipping the youth with inclusive and sustainable perspectives as they lead future communities. The forum became a venue for dialogue on ASEAN priorities.
Meanwhile, messages of support also came from Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza “Today remind us that working together is so important. Not just as a province or as a region but as part of one ASEAN community” she mentioned.
Also, Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII Regional Director Dr. Rody P. Garcia thanked the USM and its leaders for being the warriors in terms of promoting quality instruction, research, and extension. “USM is the leading university, in terms of world ranking university in Region 12,” he stated.
“We believe that we can achieve greatest thing when we are united,” he added.
Further, a recorded message from Hon. Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City, reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to shared growth and cooperation.
In the youth presentations, the Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) secured first place, followed by the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in second, and the Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC) in third. NDMC was also recognized with the Best Booth award in the ASEAN exhibit competition. The ASEAN Youth Forum Presentation serves as a venue for students to craft policy proposals that respond to the social, economic, and environmental concerns of Region XII.
The event spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII (CHEDRO XII) in partnership with USM Office of International Affairs headed by Prof. Bryan Bretaña, showed how inclusivity and sustainability remain central to ASEAN’s 2025 vision.
