Young Cebuano leaders honored at national awards

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Youth Development Office (CCYDO) and two barangay Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils recently earned prestigious recognition at the 7th Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards (PSKA) 2026 in Pasay City.

The CCYDO, under the leadership of Local Youth Development Officer Paolo Martin Saberon, received the Hall of Excellence Award after securing Excellence Awards for three consecutive years — 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The distinction affirms the office’s sustained commitment to inclusive, participatory, and sustainable youth development, keeping Cebu City’s “tanglaw” shining not only nationally but also in the hearts of young Cebuanos.

Barangay Tisa’s SK Council, led by its chairperson Riziel Saladaga, also stood out with two initiatives hailed as Most Outstanding SK Projects in the Philippines.

Oplan KAT-ON (Know, Assess, Teach, Observe, Nurture), a community-based summer learning recovery and academic enrichment program, was recognized under the Human Development and Social Welfare category.

Tisa’s Junior SK Workers Training Program (JSWTP), on the other hand, earned distinction under the Governance and Civic Participation category, highlighting the council’s innovative approach to education, inclusion, and active citizenship.

Barangay Guadalupe’s SK Council, chaired by Matthew Jose Estenzo, was named a national finalist for its project, Fayr Olympics: Youth First Aid Training and Emergency Response Program.

The program was recognized under the Sustainable Communities and Economic Development category for promoting youth-led disaster preparedness and emergency response. It highlights the SK’s role in building resilient communities.

The PSKA 2026 carried the theme “Ang Tanglaw ng Bagong Panata,” celebrating youth leadership, service, and innovation while encouraging young people’s renewed commitment to meaningful change in their communities. Organized by the Positive Youth Development Network, Inc. (PYDN), the awards serve as a national search and seal of excellence for youth organizations and SK councils across the country.

Following the awards, the Cebu City Council passed separate resolutions commending the CCYDO, SK Tisa, and SK Guadalupe for their exemplary achievements.

The commendations, authored by SKF President and ex-officio member Rhea Mae Jakosalem, emphasized that these recognitions bring pride and honor to the city and serve as inspiration to youth leaders nationwide.

Copies of the resolutions were furnished to the Office of the Mayor, SK Federation, Public Information Office, and the respective SK councils for record and guidance.

Mayor Nestor Archival’s vision of a sustainable and progressively better Cebu City was cited in the resolutions as being realized through the creativity, strength, and dedication of the city’s youth. –MRM (CEBU NEWS)