Cagayan de Oro City — Students from the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC) program of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan were recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-X and the Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL)-X with the prestigious "Bayani ng Batang Malaya Award" during the council’s 2nd Quarter Meeting on 3 June 2026.

The award was conferred by EMC students Angelie Nicole Abao, Mohammad Raja Dimaporo, Benedict Ondiano, Phoeb Joy Peralta, and Maria Casandra Salarza, together with their adviser, Ms Joie Ann Maghanoy-Mac, for their capstone project titled “Batang Malaya: A 2.5D Animated Advocacy Series for Child Labor Awareness and Prevention.”

Developed in support of DOLE-X’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), the project consists of three animated advocacy episodes designed to raise awareness about child labor, promote children's rights, and encourage communities to protect children from exploitation. Through engaging storytelling and creative visual communication, the series highlights the importance of education, protection, and equal opportunities for every child.

The recognition underscores the valuable role of students in using technology, animation, and digital storytelling to address real-world social issues. The Bayani ng Batang Malaya Award is given to individuals, institutions, and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to child labor prevention and the promotion of children's welfare.

Notably, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan was among only two recipients of this distinguished recognition, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), for their significant contributions to advancing child labor awareness and advocacy in Northern Mindanao.