Public School Teacher Wins the 2026 PBBY-Alcala Prize

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (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.

Del Rosario 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 and shares it with others, while continuing to pursue the small dreams he once had.

Del Rosario will receive a medal and a cash prize worth twenty-five thousand pesos (PHP25,000) from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), as well as an opportunity to be published.

The PBBY also recognizes the following Honorable Mention awardees: freelance illustrator Ada Abigael Aco, artist Hubert Balonso Fucio, advertising creative Ray Nazarene Sunga, and graphic designer Rica Julia Uy.

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

For inquiries about the contest, contact the PBBY Secretariat at secretariat@pbby.org.ph.