Bagani 2026: San Remigio Youth Leaders Camp Unites Six Tribes at Orongan Beach

The San Remigio Youth Leaders Camp 2026, carrying the theme "Bagani," opened on Thursday, August 6, at Orongan Beach Resort, drawing young leaders from across the municipality for three days of training, fellowship, and friendly competition. The camp is organized by the San Remigio Youth Development Office.

Built around the idea of the Bagani, or warrior-guardian, the camp casts its participants as protectors of nature, divided into six tribes that are each sworn to keep the balance of the natural world. Every tribe answers to its own guardian drawn from Filipino myth and folklore, giving the three-day program its story and spirit.

The six tribes and their guardians are Ganda of Taga-Patag, the heart of the land and its fields; Mayari of Taga-Laot, the watch over the seas and waters; Lakas of Taga-Disyerto, the steadfastness of the dry lands; Lakam of Taga-Kalakal, the keeper of wealth and nature's balance; Amihan of Taga-Bundok, the breath of the highlands; and Dumakulem of Taga-Gubat, the watcher of forest and wildlife.

The journey unfolds across three days. Day 1, the Gathering of the Tribes, opened with a colorful procession as the delegations paraded in, then moved on to the building of their camps, banners, and identity, capped by a ritual walk. Day 2, the Trial of Valor, puts the tribes to the test and features the camp's highlight event, the Bagani Trashion Show. Day 3, the Awakening, closes the camp with a final journey and the recognition of the new Bagani.

The Bagani Trashion Show challenges each tribe to build a show-stopping warrior costume made entirely from recycled, upcycled, and discarded materials, from plastic bottles and bottle caps to old newspapers, cardboard, sacks, and aluminum cans. Each entry stands for an eco-hero defending its tribe's natural heritage, carrying the strength and spirit of a Bagani. As the models take the stage, the host reads a short concept narrative for each one, naming the Bagani hero and the tribe and explaining the recycled materials used along with their environmental message. Judges score the entries on material innovation and resourcefulness, faithfulness to the Bagani theme, craftsmanship and wearability, and stage poise and performance.

Leading the camp are Camp Directors Ron Clark Dagohoy and Andrew Magdadaro, with Kent Berongan Borla serving as official camp host. The management team includes Louie Pelayo and Yoly Senining on camp logistics, Ranel Ytang and Steffy Pedrano on stage direction and multimedia, Roczan Tero Jerez on programs and invitation together with the SK Federation Officers, and Gladys Collantes on the food committee. Alquin Malinao serves as official videographer and photographer, while the San Remigio Local Youth Development Council handles physical arrangement and the MDRRMO San Remigio stands as camp health and safety officer.

Each tribe is guided by two facilitators. Taga-Patag is led by Junmar Terana and Jimboy Capangpangan, Taga-Laot by Ma. Glenda Goc-ong and Kyle Paclipan, Taga-Disyerto by Marlou Joe Arnado and Lexie Ygpas, Taga-Kalakal by Joefil Singuran and Leandro Menchavez, Taga-Bundok by Ayrra Joy Española and Ira Quimod, and Taga-Gubat by Marbe John Ponticilla and Edwin Sabellano.

Guiding the delegates as camp parents are Jeremiah Demecillo, Reil Negro, John Albert Ursal, and Mike Pogoy for Taga-Patag; John Harvie Pagobo, Junrel Tioc, MJ Micabalo, and Mark Sumayang for Taga-Laot; Janread Edar, Julia Marie Suela, Roy Emmanuel Lagunda, and Edjune Coma for Taga-Disyerto; John Larry Lopez, Liezel Jane Cuer, Cejie Pedrano, and Maisy Sumaoy for Taga-Kalakal; Renzo Adlit, Leojie Pestaño, Lerra Olivar, and Julie Mae Cabiao for Taga-Bundok; and Gerald Manco, Kyle Oporto, Marie Mae Cañada, and Andrew Magdadaro for Taga-Gubat.

More than a competition, Bagani 2026 brings together San Remigio's young leaders to learn from one another and to carry home a deeper sense of responsibility for their communities and their environment. It is good to see the San Remigiohanon youth take an active part in this kind of activity. As the tribes settle in at Orongan Beach Resort, the camp marks another step in the town's investment in its next generation of leaders.