By: IVY BETALMOS
About the Author: Ivy Betalmos is a Criminology student at Bohol Island State University – Balilihan Campus. She is a youth journalist for Kabataan For Change (KFC) and currently serves as the President of Batch Bagwis, the 4th-year graduating class of Criminology students.
She is the former President of the Supreme Student Government (SSG), the Campus Student Organization (CSO), and the Aspiring Criminologists of the Philippines Society (ACOPS) of BISU – Balilihan.
Ivy is also a TRAILER under YouthLead Philippines and a member of the Local Youth Development Council of Balilihan. She continues to use her voice and platform to represent the youth, promote civic awareness, and advocate for purposeful and transformative leadership.
How A Young Man Is Empowering A Generation
The grounds of Catigbian National High School came alive on July 26, 2025, as students, teachers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of this year’s much-anticipated Intramurals 2025, themed “Igniting the Spirit: Challenge, Compete, Conquer!”
At the heart of the celebration was an inspiring message from Carl Hinlo, an esteemed alumnus and current Barangay Kagawad of Poblacion, Catigbian. He is also the Anchorman of the Kabataan For Change (KFC) on Air, a youth-led movement dedicated to promoting volunteerism, nurturing leadership, and empowering young individuals to take meaningful action.
Addressing the crowd with sincerity and pride, Hinlo reflected on his personal journey and the critical role Catigbian NHS played in shaping his values and potential.
“Personal nakong kalipay nga sa kanunay makadawat ug imbitasiyon sa mga kalihukan niining atong tulunghaan,” Hinlo shared.
“Mapasigarbuhon ko nga mupadayag nga kining inyong ubos nga higala dinhi naumol ug napalambo ang kaugalingong talento ug kapasidad.”
Hinlo acknowledged the dedication of the school community, paying special tribute to Principal Dr. Melita L. Maglajos, PTA President and current Sangguniang Barangay Council member of Barangay Sinakayan, Kagawad Teodoro Cang-ong, and the entire faculty and staff. He extended greetings on behalf of Punong Barangay Gregorio Asufra Laroda Jr. and the Barangay Council of Poblacion, affirming the local government’s support for the school’s youth-centered programs.
In his inspiring address, Hinlo emphasized that the Intramurals serve a greater purpose beyond physical competition. He spoke of the event as a training ground for lifelong values such as respect, unity, integrity, and discipline.
“The true victory,” he reminded the students,
“is not just about winning points, but in showing up with courage, playing with heart, and lifting each other up through teamwork and dignity.”
He urged the student-athletes to embrace the challenges of competition not with fear, but with enthusiasm and fairness, and to conquer not only their opponents but their own doubts and limitations.
As festivities kicked off with cheers and spirited energy, Catigbian NHS once again demonstrated its commitment to holistic development. The 2025 Intramurals celebration became not only a showcase of athletic talent, but a reaffirmation of the school’s mission to nurture resilient, value-driven, and community-oriented youth.
Who is Carl Jones A. Hinlo?
Carl Jones A. Hinlo, CePL, CCO I, is a spirited and dedicated public servant from Poblacion, Catigbian, Bohol. He is currently serving as an elected Barangay Kagawad, consistently holding the position of Committee Chairperson on Education, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and Human Rights.
Prior to this, he served as the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson of Barangay Poblacion from 2018 to 2023, where he led numerous initiatives in youth development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.
He is also the current President of the Bol-anong Kabilin Atong Gibahandi – Catigbian Cultural Collectives and a trained Cultural Mapper under the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council – DepEd Bohol, in partnership with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) since 2021.
Mr. Hinlo is nationally recognized for his service and advocacy. He was awarded Outstanding Public Young Servant, Inspiring Youth for Peace, and Culture and Arts Advocate of the Year in Davao City (October 2022). In August 2023, he was named one of the Philippines’ Top Outstanding Youth during the Golden Eagle Awards in Metro Manila. In December 2023, he was honored as a Young Man of Influence and Commendable Public Servant in Cebu City for his efforts in promoting voter education and advocating for clean, honest elections.
He is a Certified Paralegal Person (March 2024) and a Certified Compliance Officer (November 2024).
In addition to his roles in public service and cultural advocacy, he also serves as the current Anchor and member of Kabataan For Change, a youth-focused broadcasting initiative aired through DYTR Tagbilaran, Bohol, dedicated to amplifying young voices and advancing civic education.
Known for his strong sense of integrity and public purpose, Mr. Hinlo is a philanthropist, cultural advocate, and youth leader committed to inclusive governance, heritage preservation, and social transformation.