By XU CSG 24-25
Student leaders from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan’s Central Student Government (CSG) participated in the Unyon Mindanao Federation Year Culmination Summit, a four-day gathering of youth leaders and student governments across the region, held at Ateneo de Davao University from 2 to 5 July 2025.
Representing XU were CSG President Phillip Talaba, Vice President Bea Moncay, Executive Secretary Athasha Namoc, External Affairs Secretary Edward Sunga, former Executive Undersecretary Sofia Alonzo, and Former CSG President and incumbent Youth City Councilor to the Oro Youth Development Council Kyle Chester Cotacte, who also served as a former president and co-founder of Unyon Mindanao.
The summit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on issues affecting youth and student leadership in Mindanao, ranging from democratic participation and student representation to peacebuilding and political engagement.
Xavier University at the Forefront of Student Rights in Mindanao
Former CSG President and CDO Youth Councilor Chester Cotacte presented CDO’s story in advancing
students’ rights to the student government leaders across Mindanao
The first day of the summit featured “STRAWnger Mindanao,” a reality-checking forum that tackled the continuing challenges of red-tagging, student concerns, and the civic spaces for student leaders and youth organizers. Chester Cotacte was invited as a key speaker for the session, drawing from his work as a STRAW (Student Rights and Welfare) policy advocate. He emphasized the urgent need to reclaim academic spaces as sites for discourse, organizing, and democratic participation.
Cotacte also served as the lead discussant during the panel on “Advancing Student Rights and Representation in Mindanao”, where he shared strategies from his advocacy at Xavier University former chairperson that mobilized to the existing nature of the Schola Brevis and the broader youth movement in Cagayan de Oro as Chief Lobbyist to the Oro STRAW Ordinance - the Magna Carta for Students’ Rights version in the city and first of its kind in the Philippines. His discussion highlighted the importance of institution-building, policy reform, and collective organizing to defend student spaces across the region.
During the summit’s conclusion, Cotacte was recognized by Unyon Mindanao for his steadfast leadership and foundational contributions to the federation. As a co-founder and its fi rst President, he was awarded for his commitment and loyal contribution to advancing Unyon’s mission of championing student rights, peace, and democratic empowerment in Mindanao.
Youth Leadership for Peace and Democratic Participation
On the second day, the summit focused on peacebuilding through “Mindanao’s MasterPEACE,” a deeply reflective session exploring conflict, justice, and freedom. Xavier University delegates participated in heartfelt conversations around lived experiences of violence, marginalization, and resistance—probing the question: “Are we really free?”
The third day shifted to political education in the context of the upcoming 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. Participants engaged in discussions about youth participation in shaping governance in the Bangsamoro region, with Xavier University leaders contributing to the dialogue on inclusive policymaking and ethical youth leadership.
Continuing the Movement
CSG President Phillip Talaba with Ateneo de Zamboanga’s El Consejo Atenista leading the discussion for future
collaboration amidst plans for the upcoming Buklod Atenista Congress in Zamboanga City this year.
The summit may have drawn to a close, but its message endures. Under the leadership of CSG President Phillip Talaba, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, the Xavier University delegation returns with renewed commitment to build just, inclusive, and democratic student institutions. Talaba's dual leadership reflects a vision that bridges both campus and national student movements, reaffirming Xavier Ateneo’s legacy of principled, people-centered governance. As the calls for peace, justice, and representation grow louder across Mindanao, Xavier University remains at the forefront grounded in solidarity, guided by service, and led by youth who dare to lead change.