14-year-old student from Tanudan wins SongCon, heads to regional 4-H tilt with agri-inspired song

Banagao, Tanudan – A 14-year-old student from Darulog, Dupligan, Tanudan is set to represent the province of Kalinga in the regional 4-H competition on May 20 after winning the Song Competition (SongCon) category during the Provincial 4-H Youth Convention held on April 23, 2026, at the M Hotel in Appas, Tabuk City.

The 4-H is an organization composed of in-school and out-of-school youth engaged in agriculture, fisheries, and other agriculture-related livelihood programs aimed at developing the four core values: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

Zhaquinie Claire Tangbawan Quinisan, a Grade 9 student of St. William’s Academy Bulanao Inc., impressed the judges with her original composition promoting youth involvement in agriculture and participation in the 4-H Club movement.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Zhaquinie shared that her inspiration in writing the song came from the 4-H theme and her desire to encourage fellow youth to value agriculture.

“I created the lyrics through the theme, and my goal is to encourage my fellow youth to value agriculture and participate in the 4-H Club organization,” she said.

In her lyrics, Zhaquinie calls on young people to work together, embrace change, and strive for excellence. The song expresses hope and encouragement for the youth to pursue agriculture and nation-building through the values of the 4-H Club. It highlights hard work, perseverance, and the promise of success, emphasizing that every effort in farming and learning will yield future rewards.

The first few verses of the song are:

Sa bukid na tahimik, pangarap ay BuhayBinhi ng pag-asa,Sabay nating itanimSa sipag at Tiyaga,Tagumpay ay tunayKabataang handa kinabukasa’y yakapin na

Pre-chorus; Bawat patak ng pawis mayBunga rin balang arawSa puso’t isipan, Pagbabago’ySigaw

Chorus; Apoy ng 4-H liwanag sa daanPagbago’y sisibol sa ating mga kamay inobasyon, talino,Sama-sama’t sabay Sa Smart Agriculture, Mundo’y iaalay.

With her winning piece, Quinisan not only secured the top spot in the SongCon category but also earned the opportunity to represent Kalinga in the upcoming regional 4-H competition.

As she prepares for the regional stage, her achievement stands as a testament to the growing creativity and commitment of Kalinga’s youth in advancing agricultural development and community progress.