MSU-IIT Alumni Embrace a Transformative YSEALI Journey
Four alumni from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) have been selected to participate in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Fellowship Program. The program, a flagship initiative by the United States to develop leadership and regional networks among young Southeast Asians, places MSU-IIT and the Philippines on the map as a source of emerging leaders ready to tackle local and regional challenges.
The cohort includes three YSEALI Academic Fellows and one YSEALI Professional Fellow, representing diverse fields from economics and sociology to environmental engineering and technopreneurship. Their work under the academic track centers on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement, and Natural Resources, while the professional track focuses on Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment. Together, these four individuals demonstrate how MSU-IIT alumni are applying classroom knowledge to real-world leadership.
Academic Fellows: Building Knowledge, Building Networks
Jaylou L. Havana, a 2025 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, is pursuing a focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Kansas. Jayson Bunyao Abad, a 2024 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, is engaging in Civic Engagement through the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Anthony Adrian Cale, Class of 2023 in Environmental Engineering, is exploring Natural Resources at the East-West Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa. These academic tracks are designed to equip fellows with rigorous coursework, leadership training, and practical exposure through educational trips and community engagement activities.
“We are learning a great deal here in the United States. In my case, focusing on civic engagement, I have had reflections and would love to discuss strengthening collaboration between academe and civil society organizations,” Abad commented in a conversation that highlighted the intent to benefit not only the fellows but also MSU-IIT’s broader ecosystem. The university’s leadership is enthusiastic about the exchange of ideas that can drive future partnerships in the Philippines’ CASS community and beyond.
Professional Fellow: Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Constantino Ajero Brasileño Jr., the TBI Coordinator of IDEYA: Center of Innovation and Technopreneurship, represents the Professional Fellows Program under the theme of Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment. He is currently placed at Alabama A&M University for a five-week fellowship, which includes a four-week professional placement with public or private sector entities. This experience aims to deepen practical leadership skills, deepen professional networks, and translate insights into actionable initiatives for the Philippine innovation ecosystem.
The YSEALI program’s structure blends academic sessions, leadership development, and immersive community engagement, culminating in a set of events in Washington, D.C. For MSU-IIT, the initiative underscores a broader mission: to cultivate a generation of graduates who can bridge local realities with global perspectives, while strengthening ties across Southeast Asia.
Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan welcomed the participants and lauded their efforts, expressing eagerness for the university to host sharing sessions upon the delegates’ return. This encouragement from MSU-IIT leadership signals a sustained commitment to enhancing collaboration among academia, industry, and civil society—an element that could amplify MSU-IIT’s impact at home and abroad.
Why YSEALI Matters for MSU-IIT and the Philippines
The YSEALI Fellowship aligns with the Philippines’ goals of nurturing capable leaders who can address local challenges through regional collaboration. The MSU-IIT alumni’s involvement in innovation, civic engagement, and sustainable resource management reflects the country’s rising emphasis on entrepreneurship, inclusive governance, and environmental stewardship. By fostering cross-cultural exchanges and professional networks, YSEALI helps graduates convert ideas into action—whether in startups, community initiatives, or policy dialogues.
As these four MSU-IIT alumni embark on their five-week journeys in the United States, they carry the university’s reputation onto the global stage. Their experiences will not only shape their personal leadership trajectories but also inspire their peers to pursue similar avenues for regional impact. The collaboration between MSU-IIT and YSEALI promises to enrich the Philippine innovation and education landscape for years to come.
