Kaya Natin! Keeps the Flame of Democracy Burning

Kaya Natin! earns a 2026 Freedom Flame Award for its work in youth leadership, political participation, and good governance.

Words Mian Centeno
Photos courtesy of Kaya Natin!
September 4, 2026

Freedom Flame Awards 2026 recipients, presenters, and organizers

Democracy does not depend on the leaders already in the office, it also rests on the young citizens preparing to take their place in shaping the country’s future.

This is the work that earned Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership a 2026 Freedom Flame Award from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines (FNF).

The recognition highlights Kaya Natin!’s efforts to encourage youth leadership, political participation, and values-driven public service. 

Marian Pastor Roces and former Nagcarlan, Laguna Vice Mayor Amie Hernandez deliver the speech on behalf of Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership

FNF described the movement as one that inspires “future shapers to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and take an active role in the future of our nation.”

Kaya Natin! Received the award as FNF marked its 40th anniversary and the 15th year of the Freedom Flame Awards, themed “Kalayaan Noon, Ngayon at Bukas – 40 Years of Freedom in Action.”

Former Nagcarlan, Laguna Vice Mayor Amie Hernandez and Kaya Natin! core member Marian Pastor Roces accepted the recognition on behalf of the movement at Decagon Events Place in Pasig City.

Marian Pastor Roces and former Nagcarlan, Laguna Vice Mayor Amie Hernandez receive the Freedom Flame Award

For Kaya Natin!, the award is a recognition and a reason to keep building. The organization plans to expand programs that equip young Filipinos with the skills and values needed for civic leadership, while continuing to advocate transparency, ethical accountability, and active citizen participation.

The movement shared the stage with other organizations recognized for their contributions to civil society, including the Commission on Human Rights, Angat Buhay, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, and the Local Government Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

As FNF enters its next decade, Kaya Natin!’s recognition points to a larger idea: safeguarding democratic ideals is about remembering the freedom won before and preparing the people that will carry them forward.