XU delegates during the Champions for Peace 2026 National Workshop on Resilience and Social Cohesion (from left to right):
Mr Austin Matthew Yvet Trigo, Mr Abdul Rahman B Mamutuk, Mr Kyle Chester J Cotacte, and Ms Lathela Michaela Cimafranca.
Three delegates from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan participated in the Champions for Peace 2026 National Workshop held from 5 to 7 June 2026, at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology. The workshop gathered 50 young peacebuilders from across the Philippines for a three-day immersive program focused on resilience and social cohesion.
Representing Xavier University were Abdul Rahman B Mamutuk (BSDC 3), Lathela Michaela Cimafranca (BSCE 2), and Austin Matthew Yvet Trigo (XUSHS Grade 12). They were joined by Mr Kyle Chester J Cotacte, who served as one of the youth trainers. Together, they participated with a shared purpose: to learn, connect, and contribute to building a future grounded in peace.
The Champions for Peace Programme is an initiative of the Kofi Annan Foundation and KRIS, in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, and the Diana Koh Fund administered by the Asia Community Foundation. The program aims to strengthen youth resilience to social and environmental challenges by fostering social cohesion and harmony across Southeast Asia. Implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the initiative empowers young people to address pressing issues in their communities and contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Day 1: Understanding Peace
Participants gather for a group selfie during one of the workshop sessions. Photo by: Clarkent Potestas
The Champions for Peace 2026 officially commenced on 5 June 2026, bringing together delegates from across the Philippines for a day of learning, reflection, and meaningful engagement. The opening program featured messages from peacebuilding advocates and leaders, highlighting the vital role of young people in promoting peace, social cohesion, and positive change within their communities.
Participants explored the history and values of the Champions for Peace program, gained a deeper understanding of Mindanao through discussions on its diverse realities, and engaged in sessions on resilience and personal development. Through interactive activities and meaningful conversations, delegates reflected on leadership, perseverance, and their shared responsibility in building peaceful and inclusive communities.
The day concluded with stronger connections, renewed purpose, and valuable insights that will guide participants throughout the rest of the workshop.
Day 2: Strengthening Resilience
On 6 June 2026, the workshop focused on mental well-being, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Delegates participated in sessions on Mental Health and Psychological First Aid (PFA), which emphasized the importance of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and providing compassionate support to individuals experiencing distress.
The learning experience was further enriched through discussions on environmental sustainability and its connection to peacebuilding. Mr Cotacte facilitated Module 5: Harmony with the Planet through his presentation, Amul-Amul sa Mindanao. One of the key topics discussed was the significance of the Agus–Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Complex (APHEC), a vital source of renewable energy that has powered homes, industries, and communities across Mindanao for decades. The session also explored ongoing discussions surrounding proposals to privatize the facility through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), concession agreements, and similar arrangements.
Through interactive discussions and reflections, participants examined the social, environmental, and economic implications of these proposals, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship, public participation, and collective action in shaping a sustainable future for Mindanao. The session reinforced the idea that protecting natural resources is an integral part of building resilient and peaceful communities.
Day 3: Creating Change
On 7 June 2026, delegates of the Champions for Peace 2026 participated in a community immersion in Kauswagan, where they learned about the municipality’s journey toward peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Through dialogues with local leaders and community partners, participants gained firsthand insights into grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, including the transformative work of the internationally recognized and award-winning From Arms to Farms Foundation, Inc, a model for community-based peacebuilding and sustainable development. The immersion also provided an opportunity for participants to engage with former commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who shared their experiences and perspectives on conflict transformation, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
The workshop concluded at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology with the final module on peacebuilding, which emphasized dialogue, understanding, and collective action as foundations of social cohesion. Delegates also participated in a project pitching session for seed grants, where Ms Lathela Michaela Cimafranca presented E-Tukod 2026, an Oro Youth Parliament initiative that seeks to bring together youth leaders, accredited youth organizations, and aspiring SK officials in Cagayan de Oro City. The project aims to empower young people to address social issues through legislative simulations, community immersions, and collaborative leadership development.
(Left) Mr. Cotacte delivers his presentation, “Amul-Amul sa Mindanao” (Photo by Clarkent Potestas);
(Right) E-Tukod Project Head 2026 Ms. Lathela Michaela Cimafranca (Photo by AR Mamutuk).
Closing: Cultural Night
The Champions for Peace 2026 National Workshop culminated in a vibrant Cultural Night celebration, highlighted by a special performance from the MSU-IIT Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao.
Delegates were also given the opportunity to present dances, songs, artworks, and other cultural performances representing their respective communities and regions. Through these presentations, participants celebrated the diversity of cultures across the Philippines while fostering greater understanding and appreciation of one another's traditions and identities.
Participants during their community visit to Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. Photo from: Municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
The evening served as a powerful reminder that despite the many challenges and issues facing the country, there remains hope in its people, cultures, and communities. It reinforced the belief that peacebuilding begins with recognizing and embracing our diversity while continuing to choose and work for a better Philippines.
For Abdul Rahman B Mamutuk, a third-year BS Development Communication student and former Department Secretary for Cultural Integration and Interfaith Dialogue (DCIID) of the XU-Central Student Government (XU-CSG), the three-day immersion was a meaningful and enriching learning experience.
“As a Moro student, I have firsthand experience of the realities of conflict and its impact on communities. This workshop allowed me to reflect on my own journey of resilience and appreciate how those experiences have shaped my perspective. I was inspired to meet fellow young people who are actively engaged in peacebuilding and committed to creating positive change. Despite coming from different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds, we were united by a shared vision of peace, understanding, and social cohesion.
I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my learning beyond the classroom and into real communities. The experience allowed me to put into practice the value of cura personalis—care for the whole person—and reminded me that true leadership is rooted in service. This experience reinforced my commitment to serving others and to becoming men and women for others. It also strengthened my dedication to promoting peace, fostering understanding among diverse communities, and contributing to meaningful change through service and dialogue.
Lagi’t lagi, para sa Kabataan, Bayan, at Mindanao!”