Misamis University continues to foster emerging leaders as its Community Extension Facilitator, Ms. Caryl Trishia E. Yapac, was selected as one of only ten fellows for the 2026 Mindanao Young Leaders Programme (MinYLP). It is a fully funded leadership development initiative that equips emerging leaders across Mindanao with the knowledge and skills to advance sustainable development and community leadership. As part of the fellowship, participants will complete an eight-week online course on English for Development (April - July), a two-week residential workshop in Davao City (June), an online Sustainability Development Course Workshop (June - August), and a 12-week course on Sustainable Development in Aotearoa New Zealand (August - November). Beyond the courses and workshops, participants can explore a development challenge relevant to their communities.

MinYLP is implemented by UnionAID in collaboration with Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Victoria University of Wellington, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ms. Yapac is the second young leader from Misamis Occidental to be accepted into the program. The 2026 cohort brings together young leaders from diverse cities and municipalities across Mindanao, including Isabela (Basilan), Zamboanga, Del Carmen (Siargao), Butuan, General Santos, El Salvador, Marawi, Malaybalay, and Jolo.

The fellowship is an opportunity for Misamis University to advance further its mission of excellence in instruction, research, and extension. By applying the knowledge, skills, and international perspectives gained through the programme, the experience is expected to provide opportunities for Ms. Yapac to bring new perspectives and approaches to the university's community extension work, particularly in strengthening partnerships and developing locally responsive initiatives.