Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership has been named one of the recipients of the 2026 Freedom Flame Awards for its unwavering commitment in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Philippines recognized Kaya Natin! for its dedicated work in inspiring “future shapers to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and take an active role in the future of our nation.”
FNF recently marked its 40th anniversary and the 15th year of its flagship recognition program with the theme “Kalayaan Noon, Ngayon at Bukas—40 Years of Freedom in Action.”
The ceremony brought together advocates, policymakers, leaders, and artists at the Decagon Events Place in Pasig City.
Amie Hernandez, former vice mayor of Nagcarlan, Laguna, and her fellow Kaya Natin! core member Marian Pastor Roces accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
In a statement, Kaya Natin! expressed its gratitude to FNF for the honor. “To be celebrated for inspiring future shapers by advancing youth leadership, political participation, and values-driven public service is a deeply humbling and truly momentous milestone,” it said. “This recognition will serve as our enduring inspiration to continue advancing good governance.”
FNF said investing in young citizens is crucial to sustaining a free society. In promoting political participation and values-driven public service, Kaya Natin! continues to cultivate a generation of changemakers and youth leaders equipped to safeguard democratic ideals.
The award comes at a crucial time, serving as a catalyst for the movement’s evolving strategy. Moving forward, Kaya Natin! vows to double down on its mission in building ethical young leaders, strengthening good governance, and fostering active political participation.
It aims to achieve these goals by expanding programs directly focused on empowering young Filipinos with the skills, values and avenues needed for meaningful civic leadership; continuing to bridge public service and citizen engagement by advocating transparency and ethical accountability at every level; and cultivating an informed youth populace ready to step up, speak out, and take an active role in national decision-making.
Kaya Natin! shared the stage with other awardees working in different facets of civil society: the Commission on Human Rights for defending human rights, upholding the rule of law, and protecting Filipino dignity; Angat Buhay for its Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, converting compassion into structured civic and disaster response action; the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats for advancing liberal democracy and strengthening regional freedom networks across Asia; and the local government unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, for setting a standard in participatory governance and inclusive local leadership.
As FNF Philippines enters its next decade, its collaboration with the Freedom Flame awardees reinforces the principle that when civic courage is shared, the light of democratic freedom only expands.—CONTRIBUTED
