• FRANCIS RYAN BASA PABIANIA
Ten outstanding young individuals and five youth organizations from the Negros Island Region were recognized for their exemplary leadership, volunteerism, and community impact during the Negros Young Heroes: Gawad Parangal para sa Kabataan (NYH), at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall of Foundation University in Dumaguete City July 25.
The individual awardees were Janvie Bayot Edrina, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president of Canlaon City; Kyla Faye Marree Servicio Pille, Philippine delegate to the World Championships of Performing Arts 2027; Paul Daniel Serrano, climate campaigner of the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment; Christine Pino Tano, Girls Congress batch representative;
Ysabella Visitacion Wutrich, Bacolod City representative to Miss World Philippines 2027; Hazel Alacapa, faculty member of St. Paul University Dumaguete; Alejo Joseph Esparagoza, La Sallian Champion 2025 fourth runner-up; Rickny Jomoc, campus director of the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Philippines in Bacolod City; Joan Dalida Tanghal, convergence coordinator of SEED Philippines; and Mailyn Malinao Francisco, La Sallian Champion 2024 and a student advocate from the Ata community in Cadiz City.
The youth organizations recognized were Young Life Dumaguete, a non-denominational Christian organization; Kaamping Kaabyan Kabataan Youth Organization, a youth group in Manapla focused on community-based tutorial initiatives; Subang–Siquijor, a community-based youth-serving organization dedicated to youth welfare; the Foundation University Student Government, a student-led organization promoting leadership and service; and the Silliman University Dance Company, a university premier student performing arts organization.
Meanwhile, the Silliman University Men’s Glee Club, a male choir founded in 1963, and Shamah Silvosa Bulangis, co-founder of the Visayas LGBTQ Network and Girls Congress, were recognized as Community Exemplars.
The awardees underwent a nomination and screening process, based on their leadership, volunteerism, advocacy impact, innovation, sustainability of initiatives, and commitment to community service.
The awarding rites honored youth leaders, whose initiatives in community development, public service, culture and the arts, social and environmental justice, education, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, gender advocacy, and youth leadership have made a meaningful impact across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Organized by Gaba-an Youth Lead (GYL), the NYH serves as a platform that celebrates youth excellence while inspiring more young people to pursue leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
The organizers said the stories of the awardees reflect the region’s commitment to nurturing values-driven leaders, who contribute to sustainable development.
GYL is a community-based, SEC-registered, and National Youth Commission Youth Organization Registration Program-accredited youth organization that promotes leadership, volunteerism, and community development.
“Marahil ang pinakamahalagang mensahe ng Negros Young Heroes ay hindi natin kailangang maging sikat upang maging makabuluhan. Hindi natin kailangang gumawa ng malaki upang makagawa ng pagbabago. Kailangan lamang nating magsimula—at piliing magpatuloy,” NYH director Maria Arjene Montes said.
The organizers said the NYH aims to continue inspiring young people across the region to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose while reinforcing the belief that the youth are vital partners in shaping the future of the Negros Island Region.
“NYH was created from the belief that hindi kailangang sobrang magaling, kailangan lang ng puso para sa kabataan at bayan,” GYL founder, Rey Dennis Caballero, said.
Much like Leon Kilat, a revolutionary leader in the Philippine Revolution against Spain and a native of Bacong, Negros Oriental, and the inspiration behind the award’s emblem, this year’s awardees embodied courage, purpose, and selfless service.
“At Gabaan Youth Lead, we believe that leadership is not about being ahead of everyone else. Leadership is about walking with the people and serving alongside them,” GYL president Wilkens Abordo said.
Yamang Bukid chief operations officer, Bro. George Maria, meanwhile, encouraged the awardees to continue being “heroes for others” despite the challenges and issues facing society today.
“Be the music that reminds every heart to live a life for others,” he said. “Each of us in this room gives someone else a reason to keep moving. You are heroes to others. Our dear awardees, you have made a difference in the lives of many, even if you never expected it. That is why you are here.”
The awarding rites was in partnership with Newground Events, Foundation University, Yamang Bukid Healthy Products Inc., Entheos, and the Negros Oriental State University. ||
