CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines— The future of youth leadership in Catbalogan shines even brighter as Samar State University (SSU) students and alumni emerged as standout achievers in the GKAKARITI Awards 2025 – Galing Kabataan Katbalogan: Recognizing Innovative and Transformative Initiatives.
This year, SSU takes pride as its students and alumni were among the awardees who showcased not just competence in their chosen fields but also dedication to public service and transformative leadership. A total of 37 SSU students and alumni were recognized, namely:
- Brianna Lexie D. Berba – 1st Year BSED Social Studies (San Pablo)
- Althea Nichole B. Albento – 2nd Year BSEd Math (San Pablo)
- Honey Perlyn Gutlay – BS Nursing alumna (Brgy. Maulong)
- Lhesly Ann Prudenciado, LPT – BSEd Social Studies alumna (Brgy. Maulong)
- Vannezza Rae B. Albeza – BEED alumna (Poblacion 01)
- Roxanne Kaye B. Cordova – BS Industrial Technology & Entrepreneurship alumna (Bunu-anan)
- Lucky Andrey Niño P. Cupido, LPT – BSED Math alumna (Bunu-anan)
- Cydrec Sian Z. Honrales – BPED alumna (Bunu-anan)
- Verny G. Pacujan – 4th Year BS Psychology (Bunu-anan)
- Faith Joy D. Manlolo – 3rd Year BEED (Bunu-anan)
- Niño S. Ramos – SK Member, BS Information Technology (Canlapwas)
- Danny P. Verzosa, LPT – SK Member, BSED Social Studies alumnus (Canlapwas)
- Jiboy Arriega – SK Secretary, 1st Year BS Information Technology (Canlapwas)
- June Bolledo Diocton, LPT – SK Treasurer, BSEd Fishery Education alumnus (Brgy. Pupua)
- Gerald J. Buco, LPT – SK Chairperson, BPED alumnus (Brgy. Pupua)
- Nico G. Gabiana – SK Secretary, 1st Year BS Industrial Technology (Brgy. Pupua)
- Marlon A. Espinosa – SK Chairperson, BEED alumnus (Brgy. Buluan)
- James Car E. Angelias – 3rd Year BS Industrial Technology (Brgy. Buluan)
- Juvan Gent M. Acaba – 3rd Year BSTI Electrical Technology (Canlapwas)
- Albert L. Pantaleon – SK Member, BS Psychology alumnus (Mercedes)
- Grace U. Nuñez – SK Treasurer, BS Information Technology alumna (Mercedes)
- Kathlene Mae B. Baculpo – SK Member, BSEd Social Studies alumna (Mercedes)
- Rachael Stephane Peroso – BS Industrial Technology alumna (Guindapunan)
- Pearl Angeline T. Abarquez – BS Statistics alumna (Guindapunan)
- Jodell S. Maga – 4th Year BEED (Guindapunan)
- Dave D. Mengote – 3rd Year BS Electronics Engineering (Guindapunan)
- Francine Elaiza S. Labro – 2nd Year BS Nursing (Guindapunan)
- Ruby Jane G. Gonzales – 3rd Year BS Psychology (Guindapunan)
- Angel B. Lauzon – 2nd Year BS Psychology (Guindapunan)
- Dionesio T. Roma, LPT – BEED alumnus (Ibol)
- Jessebel B. Nablo, LPT – BEED alumna (Ibol)
- Jessica T. Tambal – BTVTE alumna (Ibol)
- Ralph R. Nablo – BS Mechanical Technology alumnus (Ibol)
- Jhon Lloyd B. Roma – 4th Year BS Industrial Technology (Automotive) (Ibol)
- Angelika B. Berres – 3rd Year BS Industrial Technology (Drafting) (Ibol)
- Niña Jean Pearl R. Comandante – 2nd Year BEED (Ibol)
- Salvador Rapanan, LPT – BPED graduate 2023, SK Treasurer (Brgy. Silanga)
The GKAKARITI Awards honor outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Councils that exemplify good governance, transparency, and impactful youth programs. Spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of Catbalogan under the leadership of City Mayor Dexter M. Uy, through the City Population and Youth Development Office (CPYDO) and its partners, this initiative amplifies the role of young leaders in building better communities. The GKAKARITI Awards uphold the principle of Mandatory Compliance Indicators that ensures each recognition goes only to SK Councils that embody good governance and youth empowerment.
These student-leaders and alumni embody the core values of SSU: leadership, excellence, discipline, and service. Congratulations!