Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership recently stood out as one of the recipients of the Freedom Flame Awards for 2026 for its unwavering commitment in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom 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 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.
Former Nagcarlan, Laguna Vice Mayor Amie Hernandez and fellow Kaya Natin! core member Marian Pastor Roces accepted the award on behalf of the movement.
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. This recognition will serve as our enduring inspiration to continue advancing good governance.”
FNF stressed that investing in young citizens is crucial to sustaining a free society. By 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 turning point, 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.
The organization 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 fellow awardees working in different facets of civil society. FNF honored the Commission on Human Rights for defending human rights, upholding the rule of law, and protecting Filipino dignity. It also recognized Angat Buhay for its Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, converting compassion into structured civic and disaster response action.
Meanwhile, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats was cited for advancing liberal democracy and strengthening regional freedom networks across Asia. The Local Government Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte also gained recognition for setting a standard in participatory governance and inclusive local leadership.
As FNF Philippines enters its next decade, its collaboration with organizations like Kaya Natin! reinforces that when civic courage is shared, the light of democratic freedom only expands.
Seymour B. Sanchez
Seymour Barros Sanchez is an advocacy filmmaker, communication and film lecturer, freelance writer, creative producer, technical consultant, and a former producer for news and current affairs programs. He served as Bacolod Film Festival director in 2024 and Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages of the Film Development Council of the Philippines from 2022 to 2025. He is a member of the Academic Film Society Advisory Committee of the FDCP, a representative of the Education Sector to the National Committee on Cinema Executive Council, and Secretary of the NCC.
