2026

Grand Prize
Jhucel A. del Rosario

Honorable Mention
Ada Abigael Aco
Hubert Balonso Fucio
Ray Nazarene Sunga
Rica Julia Uy

Based on the story
Tinamaan Ako ng Galing!
by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz

PBBY-Alcala Prize: Jhucel A. del Rosario

To be awarded at the 42nd National Children’s Book Day celebration on July 21, 2026.

The PBBY awards this year’s PBBY-Alcala Grand Prize to Jhucel A. del Rosario, a digital artist from Cavite. Del Rosario’s illustrations are based on this year’s PBBY-Salanga Grand Prize winner, Tinamaan Ako ng Galing! by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz.

Jhucel teaches at a public school in Brgy. Malainen Bago, Naic, Cavite. As a member of the Department of Education’s Pool of Illustrators, he has contributed to the development of local learning resources including instructional materials and children’s stories. His published works include Ang mga Naglalakad na Bahay (Johnny and Hansel, 2024), Walang Pasok (Lampara Books, 2026), and Ang Matandang Babaeng Lumaban sa Himagsikan (Bookware, 2026). Today, he integrates his artistic talent into his teaching.

Del Rosario will win a medal and a cash prize worth Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), as well as an opportunity to be published.

The PBBY also recognizes the followingHonorable Mention awardees: freelance illustrator 𝗔𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗼, University of the Philippines Diliman staff 𝗛𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗼, Singapore-based advertising creative 𝗥𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗮, and graphic designer 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗨𝘆.

The winners will be awarded at the 43nd National Children’s Book Day ceremonies on July 21, 2026 at Museo Pambata.