Kaya Natin! carries the torch as Freedom Flame Awardee

Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership with the Freedom Flame Award

The Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership has been recognized as one of the recipients of the 2026 Freedom Flame Awards, highlighting its continued efforts to promote good governance, ethical leadership, and meaningful youth participation in Philippine public life.

The recognition was given by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines (FNF) during its 40th anniversary celebration and the 15th year of the Freedom Flame Awards, held under the theme “Kalayaan Noon, Ngayon at Bukas – 40 Years of Freedom in Action.” The ceremony gathered advocates, policymakers, leaders, and artists at Decagon Events Place in Pasig City.

Former Nagcarlan, Laguna Vice Mayor Amie Hernandez and fellow Kaya Natin! core member Marian Pastor Roces accepted the award on behalf of the movement. FNF recognized Kaya Natin! for inspiring future leaders to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and take an active role in shaping the country’s future.

For Kaya Natin!, the award serves as an important milestone in its continuing mission to develop ethical young leaders, strengthen good governance, and encourage greater political participation among Filipino youth. The movement emphasized that the recognition will inspire it to further expand initiatives that provide young Filipinos with the skills, values, and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in civic and national affairs.

Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Robert Werner delivers his welcome message

Beyond youth leadership, Kaya Natin! continues to advocate transparency, ethical accountability, and stronger connections between public service and citizen engagement. Its efforts aim to encourage a more informed and active generation of Filipinos who are prepared to speak up, participate in decision-making, and contribute to democratic governance.

The movement was recognized alongside other organizations and institutions contributing to Philippine civil society. Among the awardees were the Commission on Human Rights for its work in defending human rights and upholding the rule of law; Angat Buhay for its Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network; the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats for strengthening liberal democracy across Asia; and the Local Government Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte for advancing participatory governance and inclusive local leadership.

As FNF Philippines moves forward into its next decade, the recognition of Kaya Natin! underscores the importance of investing in young Filipinos and strengthening civic participation. Through continued collaboration and values-driven leadership, the movement seeks to help build a generation of changemakers capable of advancing good governance and protecting democratic ideals in the Philippines.