ILOILO – A student from the rural town of Alimodian has assumed the role of Iloilo’s “little governor,” vowing to use his newfound influence to promote critical thinking among children as the province opened its Linggo ng Kabataan 2026 celebration.
Roniel John R. Figueroa of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School was formally installed as the youth counterpart of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. during the sashing ceremony for the 2026 Boy and Girl Officials at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby on Monday morning, August 3.
He was joined by Pia B. Ladrillo of Barotac Viejo National High School, who was named youth counterpart of Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, and 13 other student leaders who will serve as counterparts of Provincial Board members and sectoral representatives.
The student officials will spend one week observing and experiencing the responsibilities of the governor, vice governor and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In his speech, Figueroa said the position carried more than ceremonial significance and gave the student officials an opportunity to advance causes important to young people.
“I am standing right in front of you a boy from a rural town, now the boy governor of the Province of Iloilo, thank you so much. With this title, for me and for my fellow Boy and Girl Officials it is not just a title it is influence and with this influence, I plan to promote my advocacy especially in critical thinking of children,” Figueroa said.
He plans to help facilitate school debates in Alimodian to expose more children to different issues and strengthen their critical-thinking skills.
Figueroa also thanked the provincial government, the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the office of Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) president and ex-officio Board Member Esara Aldeguer Javier for their sustained support for youth programs, particularly the Boy and Girl Officials initiative.
The Provincial Board youth counterparts for the First District are Yvette E. Tabingo of Tubungan National High School and Niña Grace E. Esmores of Igbaras National High School.
Representing the Second District are Lei Gerald John B. Jance of Iloilo National High School and Edward G. Bangeles of New Lucena National High School.
The Third District counterparts are Alyssa Marie R. Manlabe and Kyle Christian U. Fajardo, both of Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School.
Mevin Rachel D. Lobaton of Dumangas National High School and Allan S. Bacotija Jr. of Iloilo National High School represent the Fourth District, while Mary Joy Y. Garmica of Pavia National High School and Gavin Ethan B. Feliciano of Tigbauan National High School serve as Fifth District counterparts.
Anica Ames I. Amamanglon of Iloilo National High School was named Liga ng mga Barangay counterpart, while Carlyn Jane P. Pillo of Pavia National High School was selected as Philippine Councilors League counterpart.
Salveigh Cynch T. Tacleon of Tubungan National High School serves as the youth counterpart of the PPSK.
The Boy and Girl Officials program is among the activities for Linggo ng Kabataan 2026, which carries the theme “Different contexts, common aspirations.”
Other activities include the Local Trade Artisan Fair from August 3 to 5; Seed of Innovation on August 4; Ordinance-Making Contest on August 5; Bugal sang Turismo Poster-Making Contest and Provincial Mobile Legends Tournament on August 9; and Tanum Iloilo on August 15.
Katutubong Kabataan will be held on August 20, followed by Youth Converge on August 21 and 22 and the third Bugal Sang Iloilo Awards on August 22.
A Youth Job Fair is scheduled for August 28, Youth Rescue First Aid on August 29, and simultaneous literacy, numeracy and cleanup activities on August 30./PN
