By: Monna Iza Camposo
Sillimanians extended community service and leadership beyond the campus to earn recognitions in the 6th Negros Young Heroes Awards last July 25 at the Sofia Soler Sinco Hall, Foundation University.
The Silliman University Dance Company (SUDC) received the Group Award, while Gaba-an Youth Lead (GYL) President Prince Wilkens Abordo was named a James Bryan Tubaga Awardee.
The SU Men’s Glee Club and Girls Congress co-founder Shamah Bulangis both received the Community Exemplar Award.
SUDC Director Angelo Sayson said the company’s community work through the arts contributed to its recognition.
The company has performed in communities including Bayawan and Mabinay, while also participating in local and international engagements.
“We make sure that we play our role as artists in informing, educating, and telling stories, inspiring through our performances,” he said.
Zhella Marie Vidal, an alumna of the SUDC, said the company’s performances help people appreciate Filipino culture.
“It reflected in people remembering our culture,” Vidal said.
Meanwhile, Abordo was selected by senior facilitators of the GYL for the award after nearly five years of involvement in the organization, including her term as president.
Her work included initiatives on youth empowerment, leadership development, community service, and social responsibility.
Abordo also served as convener of the first Negros Island Region League of Student Governments, a regional network to strengthen collaboration among student leaders.
The award, named after the late GYL senior facilitator James Bryan Tubaga, is a distinction given to youth leaders who show exceptional community service and volunteer work.
She said the award carries a “very deep and personal meaning” and calls her to continue a legacy of service beyond recognition.
“It reminds me that the causes I fight for are bigger than myself. It reminds me to continue showing up for young people and communities, especially when doing so is difficult, uncomfortable, or inconvenient,” she said.
Ten youth individuals and five youth organizations were recognized in fields including climate initiatives, performing arts, and feminist education, among others.
The NYH is organized by the GYL to celebrate youth excellence while inspiring young people to pursue leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
