With the theme “A Decade of Transformational Leadership: Igniting Purpose, Evolving Leaders, Inspiring Change,” the 10th DACUN Leadership Summit brought together student leaders from member institutions across Davao City for a two-day celebration of service, empathy, and purpose. Held at the RSM Events Center, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, from April 22 to 23, 2025, the summit featured keynote speakers, interactive learning sessions, and reflective discussions designed to sharpen both the heart and mindset of young leaders. Adding a splash of color and energy to the event, participants were grouped by color upon registration: peach, purple, light mahogany, light green, pink, and indigo, fostering instant camaraderie and team spirit.
Day 1 kicked off with a motivating session, “Addressing Generational Gaps for Better Productivity,” by Coach Alexander F. Solano, AFPM, who broke down the differences between age groups and emphasized that empathy, not age, is the real gap leaders must learn to bridge. In the afternoon, Coach Sison Kintanar delivered “The Power of Mindset: Navigating Growth and Fixed Beliefs,” where he stressed the importance of managing four key areas: time, energy, priority, and mindset. He explained how thoughts influence emotions, which then drive actions. Coach Kintanar encouraged students to view rejection as redirection and to treat life as a mission, not an intermission. These sessions inspired student leaders to lead with authenticity rather than authority.
On Day 2, Coach Kintanar returned to talk about leadership that delivers results and mental well-being. Using powerful metaphors from nature and life, he encouraged student leaders to build resilience, act with intention, and prioritize leading themselves before leading others. He shared ten principles of effective leadership from self-awareness and trust-building to vision-casting and transformation, leaving participants with concrete tools they could use within their organizations and communities. The learning experience was both practical and heartfelt, reinforcing the values of humility, discipline, and clarity of purpose.
The summit concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Leah M. Cabang, DACUN-SAC Chair, who emphasized the legacy DACUN has built over the past decade. Beyond that, the summit reignited a deep sense of mission among the student leaders. As the colored teams cheered and exchanged insights, it was clear that DACUN had once again fulfilled its purpose, not just to gather leaders, but to shape them. With new knowledge, strengthened values, and a growing network of peers, the next chapter of student leadership in Davao begins with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Written by Kathleen Caminero, GEMS President
Photos courtesy of ACD Office of Student Affairs
