The spirit of youth leadership and “Service Above Self” took center stage at the Cultural Center of Laguna on December 21 during the annual Araw ng Parangal. In a landmark achievement for the Rotaract movement, the Rotaract Club of Filipino Young Leaders and the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier were officially hailed as two of the five Namumukod-Tanging Organisasyong Pangkabataan ng Laguna. This prestigious recognition, headed by Gawad Laguna Inc., identifies the most exemplary youth organizations across the entire province. Out of a vast field of youth-led groups in Laguna, these two Rotaract clubs successfully emerged as finalists, proving that their commitment to grassroots community development remains at the highest level.
This milestone marks a continuing legacy of excellence, as the search for the most outstanding youth organization has now run for two consecutive years. The Rotaract community has maintained a strong presence in this competition. Last year, the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier, under the leadership of Immediate Past President Arra Lou Pagaraga, reached the finals alongside the Rotaract Club of Cavinti, led by Immediate Past President Jose Mari Esguerra. By being named among the five most outstanding organizations again this year, these clubs demonstrate a consistency in service that sets a benchmark for others to follow, building upon the success of last year’s winner, The Katoto Project from the Municipality of Paete.
The primary aim of the search led by Gawad Laguna Inc. is to establish a gold standard for what a youth organization in Laguna must achieve. To be considered for such an honor, organizations are rigorously evaluated based on the Core Values of Gawad Laguna Inc., which include:
- Excellent and Servant Leadership
- Integrity, Honor, and Prestige
- Empower and Inspire
- Nationalism and Responsible Citizenship
- Appreciation and Gratitude
The repeated recognition of these Rotaract clubs reinforces their role as pillars of civic duty that embody these values.
The influence of these clubs is further demonstrated by their success in Project Sibol, a specialized project proposal-making competition. Project Sibol is organized and supervised by the Youth Development Affairs (YDA) of Laguna in partnership with Gawad Laguna Inc. and is designed to empower youth to create actionable solutions for the province. The Rotaract Club of Filipino Young Leaders established its track record as a finalist in this competition during the pandemic period. This year, the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier saw two of its entries reach the final stage, with one officially hailed as one of the “Sampung Sibol ng Laguna”—a distinction also shared by the Filipino Young Leaders.
These accolades demonstrate that their initiatives are not only well executed but are also strategically designed to address the evolving needs of the community, meeting the rigorous standards set by the YDA.
The success of these two clubs is a testament to their ability to bridge local needs with global standards. While they are now celebrated at the provincial level as two of the five most outstanding youth organizations, their work remains deeply rooted in the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary International and the ethical framework of the Four-Way Test. By aligning provincial nationalism with international principles of service, the Rotaract Club of Filipino Young Leaders and the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier have shone far beyond the district level. Their journey serves as a powerful inspiration for the youth of Laguna, proving that through integrity, excellence, and a heart for service, young leaders can truly transform their communities.
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