The Cordilleran Youth Center (CYC) Director, Christian Dave (Happy) Ruz, has been named as one of the Top 10 Global Finalists for the inaugural Pankaj Award to End Conflict by Regent Global and One Young World.
This international recognition honors his work with CYC and other youth organizations in advancing human rights, critical democracy, and peace based on justice. More than an individual achievement, it recognizes the collective work of young people, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations in the Cordillera who continue to work toward a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society.
In 2021, Happy was among the four youth leaders from the Cordillera who challenged the notorious practice of red-tagging in court through the filing of a landmark Petition for a Writ of Amparo. Through this, the Baguio Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, issued a court order directing the PNP Cordillera to refrain from engaging in red-tagging.
Together with CYC and other civil society organizations, he also helped lobby for the passage of the twin landmark local legislative measures in Baguio City that advance human rights-based governance: the 2023 resolution declaring Baguio an Inclusive Human Rights City and the 2024 Human Rights Defenders Protection Ordinance.
Building on these, the campaign is now being scaled up through a consortium project supported by the European Union, which seeks to elevate CSO capacities and to establish Human Rights Cities in four cities across Northern Luzon. Since its founding, CYC has championed human rights-based governance in the Cordillera and across Northern Luzon. Currently, it also implements the Safe and Sound Cities program in Baguio, capacitating and mobilizing young people in shaping safer, inclusive, and just urban environments.
We share this recognition with all our partners and supporters, and most especially, with the youth of the Cordillera, who have always been the anchor of our work. We extend our utmost gratitude to our allies in the Baguio City Council and the local government of Baguio, whose support has been instrumental in advancing policy reforms in our city. Special thanks to Hon. Jose Molintas for his support and endorsement for this award!
The Pankaj Award to End Conflict by Regent Global recognizes young leaders around the world who address the root causes of conflict, foster understanding between divided communities, protect marginalized groups, and build sustainable pathways toward peace and unity. It is presented in partnership with One Young World, a global platform that brings together young leaders advocating for various causes toward a more sustainable future.
This November, Happy will join fellow scholars and members of the Pankaj Award to End Conflict cohort at the 2026 One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa
