CITY OF MALOLOS — Young Bulakenyos were urged to make a difference through meaningful action, integrity, and service to others, emphasizing that leadership goes beyond titles, fame, and recognition.
The message was highlighted during the 2026 Gintong Kabataan Awards Araw ng Parangal held recently at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in the City of Malolos.
The gathering underscored the importance of encouraging young people to become agents of positive change in their communities, reminding them that their contributions are measured not by the awards they receive but by the impact they make on the lives of others.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando recognized the broad opportunities available to young people today while acknowledging the challenges they face in navigating a rapidly changing world.
“Hindi ninyo kailangang malutas ang lahat ng suliranin ng mundo. Pero puwede kayong maging instrumento sa pagbabago nito. Magsimula sa inyong kakayahan. Magsimula sa inyong pamayanan. Magsimula sa mga taong kaya ninyong tulungan,” the governor said.
National Youth Commission Commissioner Representing Luzon Assistant Secretary Michael Christophe R. Agustin pointed out that many of the most significant steps toward success happen before the medals, applause, and certainty of achieving one’s goals, emphasizing that these experiences can become valuable lessons that help create opportunities for other young people.
“Before all the applause, there were sacrifices. Before all the recognition, there were struggles. And before someone becomes an outstanding youth leader, there is a young person who simply decides to do something meaningful even when no one is watching,” Agustin said.
Part of the major awardees were Vienne Carla M. Maravilla of Plaridel and Angelo Gabriel C. Flores of Pulilan for Gintong Kabataan sa Kagalingang Pang-Akademya at Agham in the secondary and college categories, respectively; Bulacan Dreamers of San Miguel for Gintong Kabataan sa Larangan ng Isports; Tanglawan Singing Ambassadors of San Jose del Monte for Gintong Kabataan sa Larangan ng Sining at Kultura; John Horeb P. Dela Cruz of Calumpit for Gintong Kabataang Entreprenyur; Ralph Eric F. Bernardo of San Miguel and Kabataang Boluntir Initiative of Calumpit for Gintong Kabataan sa Larangan ng Paglilingkod sa Pamayanan in the individual and group categories, respectively; Allan Benedict C. Solacito of Malolos and Richard C. Santos of Norzagaray for Gintong Kabataang Manggagawa in the professional and government worker categories, respectively; Aubrey Lyn G. Sabino of Calumpit for Natatanging Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President; and the SK Barangay Council of Parulan, Plaridel, for Natatanging Sangguniang Kabataan Barangay Council.
In addition, the special citation awardees include Leon Lucas C. Andalio of Plaridel, Best Child Performer at the 25th Metro Manila Film Festival; Franco Miguel N. Estrella of Baliwag, champion of the Boys 8 Years Division at the US Kids Golf Korea Championship 2026; John Iver Dhan M. Quintana of Hagonoy, silver medalist in the BC1 and BC2 Single Category at the BOCCIA Friendly Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Dr. Alexis B. Temblique of Marilao, topnotcher in the Physical Therapist Licensure Examination in August 2019 and second placer in the Physicians Licensure Examination in March 2026; Ar. Joshua San Miguel De Lara of Bocaue, second placer in the January 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects; Dr. Irish Kyle K. Mateo of Meycauayan, topnotcher in the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Dentists; Precious Jewel C. Pescador and Joana Mae B. Barquilla of Santa Maria, nursing students who saved a jeepney driver; Sofia Margarita O. Viesca of Pulilan, second placer in the elementary category of the May 2026 Special Professional Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers; John Carlo Dela Cruz of Hagonoy, No. 28 on the 2026 Forbes Top Creators List; and Derek Dylan B. Maneja of Malolos, grand winner of Be The Next: 9 Dreamers.
On behalf of his fellow awardees, Gintong Kabataang Manggagawa-Government Worker awardee Richard C. Santos stressed that their recognition should not be viewed as the pinnacle of success, but as a reminder of the greater contributions they can still make to society.
“Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na magkaroon ng mataas na posisyon, maging tanyag o tumanggap ng mga parangal upang makagawa ng pagbabago. Minsan, nagsisimula ito sa simpleng pagtupad sa ating mga responsibilidad, pagiging tapat sa ating mga gawain at paninindigan sa kung ano ang tama nating gawin,” Santos said. (UnliNews Online)
