Student leaders of Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) participated in the Youth Lead Philippines’ 13th Philippines I Transform! Leaders’ Convention, held on September 3–7, 2026, at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City, with the theme “Combating Poverty, Achieving Prosperity for All.”
The annual convention brought together young leaders in a dynamic platform for leadership development, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative learning. It provided participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership competencies, deepen their understanding of poverty and social development, and explore concrete ways through which young people can contribute to community transformation and nation-building.
Representing SKSU were Bon Angelo Defino, newly elected University Student Government (USG) President; Jasper Christian Dar, UDSG Public Relations Staff; Blue Verano, newly elected SBO Governor of the Tacurong Campus, together with his co-officers Zimone Retiza and Merrylene Orencio; and Brian Russel Semeniano, newly elected SBO Governor of the ACCESS Campus, together with SBO Representative Rynnel Gervero. The SKSU delegation was headed by Adonis S. Besa, PhD, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS).
Anchored on the theme of combating poverty and achieving prosperity for all, the convention reinforced the importance of youth leadership in addressing social challenges and advancing inclusive development. The participation of SKSU student leaders directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty, by encouraging young people to understand the realities and dimensions of poverty and become advocates and partners in initiatives that promote empowerment, opportunity, and sustainable community development.
The activity also advances SDG 4: Quality Education by providing learning experiences beyond the classroom that develop leadership, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, civic responsibility, and social awareness—competencies essential in preparing students to become responsible and transformative leaders.
More than a leadership convention, the experience served as an opportunity for the SKSU delegation to learn, connect, reflect, and lead with purpose. The student leaders are expected to bring their insights and experiences back to the University and translate them into meaningful student-led initiatives and community engagements.
Through active participation in national youth leadership platforms, SKSU continues to empower students to transform learning into action, leadership into service, and ideas into meaningful contributions to society.
