Exemplary youth organizations committed to strengthening community development across the island received cash prizes and plaques of recognition from the provincial government of Catanduanes during the 2025 ROKYAW Outstanding Youth Awards last week for their initiatives.
Chosen as the top youth groups were: Visible Inclusion as Most Outstanding Youth Organization, SK Tambongon of Viga as Most Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan, and SURTE as Most Outstanding Youth-Service Organization.
Visible Inclusion was also among five groups whose projects were selected as Most Outstanding Youth Projects: • Read to Lead (Empowering Students with Reading and Comprehension Program) of Caramoran Rural Development High School SSLG; Boronyog: A Localized Youth-Led SRHR and HIV Programming of Visible Inclusion; #NXTGENERRATIVE: Own the Vote, Flip The Script of JCI Catanduanes; Isla Connected (JCIP Movement for Collective Action) of JCI Catanduanes; Project Damayan (Psychological Support for Typhoon-Affected Youth) of Pandan School of Arts and Trades SSLG; One Call: Compassion Without Walls of JCI Catanduanes; Ataman Kalikasan: Pawikan Guardians of Sinag Kabataan; ABACATANDUANES: A Fiber of Hope for Every Abacalero of JCI Catanduanes; and The Planting Crew: Special Hands, Special Hearts of JCI Catanduanes
Rokyaw highlights exemplary youth groups advocating for education, health, active citizenship, economic empowerment, environmental protection, governance, peace and security, and global mobility.
Aside from the awarding of outstanding youth organizations in the province, a key feature of this year’s ceremony was the presentation of accomplishments from youth groups supported by the Grant- based Incentive Support Program (GISP), with each grantee receiving ₱50,000 for project implementation. Among the presenters was UP Catandungan Los Baños, which featured Project: Get CET Vol. 3, a free review program helping senior high school students prepare for university entrance examinations.
The Junior Disaster Risk Reduction Advocates and Practitioners also highlighted Project: Handa, Kabataan: DRR Youth Camp, aimed at equipping young people with essential disaster-rescue and response skills This is an initiative vital to a province frequently affected by natural calamities.
Representing Governor Patrick Alain Azanza, Provincial Administrator Atty. Evelyn Gutierrez commended the participating youth groups, noting that their dedication reflects the province’s vision of nurturing dynamic, service-oriented young leaders.
She emphasized that these youth initiatives mirror the administration’s commitment to empowering young Catandunganons to become catalysts of progress.
PYDO Youth Development Officer IV Dave Tolentino highlighted the vital role of youth in local development, noting that when young people rise to the challenge, Catanduanes moves forward and continues to thrive. He emphasized that the island’s progress depends on the active participation and leadership of its young citizens, ending his speech with a powerful reminder: “Kabataan pa rin ang pag-asa ng Islang Catanduanes.”
The president of the SK Provincial Federation, PBM Alvin Rodriguez, told the youth that leadership is not about being the best, but about consistently giving your best for the people and the community.
For his part, DILG Provincial Director Uldarico Razal Jr. also praised young leaders, saying that the spirit of bayanihan, resilience, and excellence continues to thrive among Catandunganon youth.
Meanwhile, Mack Neil Vital, Head of the Governor’s Youth Engagement and Affairs Office (GYEAO–Catanduanes), delivered a compelling call for genuine servant leadership.
He urged the youth to lead with purpose and heart, “to go to the ground, feel the ground, and be the ground”, underscoring that true leadership begins with humility and a sincere effort to understand the needs of the communities they serve.
The awardees also shared the history of their organizations, the impact they have made in their communities, and their future plans during their acceptance messages.
MAJOR YOUTH AWARDS
MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH ORGANIZATION — VISIBLE INCLUSION
Visible Inclusion is a social justice organization founded on the belief that genuine visibility and inclusion of all sectors in decision-making and development efforts are essential to addressing civic, economic, and political injustices. One of its missions is to empower those who are marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged to actively claim their rights and participate in shaping inclusive social change.
MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATION — KULTURANG CATANDUNGAN (SURTE) INC.
Commonly known as SurTe, Kulturang Catandungan Inc. is a homegrown literary organization that promotes Catandunganon literature and other forms of art as a means to foster critical awareness and cultural identity. Through literary seminar-workshops, writing competitions, and community outreach activities, SurTe cultivates young writers and artists committed to preserving culture and inspiring progressive thought.
MOST OUTSTANDING SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN — SK TAMBONGON
SK Tambongon stands out for its exemplary governance, innovative programs, and steadfast dedication to advancing youth empowerment. Through transformative projects, transparent leadership, and meaningful community engagement, it continues to set the benchmark for effective and impactful youth governance, not only in the Municipality of Viga, but across the entire province of Catanduanes
MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROJECTS
SOCIAL INCLUSION & EQUITY — The Planting Crew: Special Hands, Special Hearts (JCI Catanduanes)
A project that celebrates inclusion, The Planting Crew empowers persons with special needs through meaningful environmental and social participation. By cultivating both plants and purpose, it reaffirms that everyone, regardless of ability, has a vital role in shaping a more compassionate society. Through guided activities and shared community experiences, participants build confidence, develop new skills, and form genuine connections. The garden becomes a space where abilities shine, contributions matter, and belonging naturally grows.
EDUCATION – Read to Lead: Empowering Students with Reading and Comprehension Program (CRDHS-SSLG)
Spearheaded by the young leaders of Caramoran Rural Development High School, Read to Lead: Empowering Students with Reading and Comprehension Program is an initiative designed to strengthen students’ reading and comprehension skills while nurturing a genuine love for learning. Through engaging reading sessions, peer mentorship, and creative literacy activities, the program inspires students to explore ideas, think critically, and build confidence in their abilities. Read to Lead empowers young minds to dream boldly, communicate effectively, and grow into future leaders shaped by knowledge and curiosity.
GOVERNANCE — Isla Connected: The JCIP Movement for Collective Action (JCI Catanduanes)
Driven by JCI Catanduanes, Isla Connected is a governance initiative that strengthens civic engagement and collaboration among communities. Through open dialogues, digital linkages, and coordinated community actions, the program creates pathways for people to share their insights and work together on local solutions. By connecting voices and ideas across the island, Isla Connected fosters participatory leadership, transparent communication, and a collective commitment to sustainable progress. In doing so, it empowers every sector to play an active role in shaping a more inclusive and responsive local governance.
ENVIRONMENT — Ataman Kalikasan: Pawikan Guardians (Sinag Kabataan)
Led by the passionate members of Sinag Kabataan, Ataman Kalikasan: Pawikan Guardians safeguards the lives of endangered pawikans while promoting the preservation of Catanduanes’ coastlines. Through awareness drives, beach monitoring, and hands-on conservation efforts, the initiative strengthens community responsibility for marine protection. Pawikan Guardians embodies the youth’s enduring commitment to preserve the island’s natural heritage and ensure that future generations can witness its thriving biodiversity. By uniting volunteers and local stakeholders, it inspires a shared duty to protect and restore the marine ecosystems that sustain the island.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT — ABACATANDUANES: A Fiber of Hope for Every Abacaleros of (JCI-Catanduanes)
This livelihood initiative revitalizes the abaca industry by empowering local farmers and youth entrepreneurs. Through innovation, skills training, and sustainable practices, ABACATANDUANES strengthens both individual livelihoods and community enterprise. It weaves a story of resilience, cultural pride, and economic renewal, ensuring that the province’s rich heritage and natural resources continue to sustain future generations. By fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship, it also inspires a new generation to take pride in their roots while driving meaningful progress for Catanduanes.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP — Project Damayan: Psychological Support for Typhoon-Affected Youth (PSAT-SSLG)
Developed by Pandan School of Arts and Trade’s young leaders, Project Damayan provides psychosocial support to youth affected by the aftermath of typhoons. Through counseling sessions, creative expression workshops, and community care activities, the initiative helps young people process their experiences, build resilience, and regain a sense of hope. Project Damayan champions healing as a vital part of active citizenship, empowering youth to transform personal challenges into collective strength and community solidarity.
PEACE BUILDING & SECURITY — #NXTGENNERRATIVE: Own the Vote, Flip the Script (JCI-Catanduanes)
#NXTGENNERATIVE: Own The Vote, Flip The Script, by JCI Catanduanes, promotes responsible citizenship by empowering young voters to actively shape the nation’s future. Through civic education, advocacy campaigns, and interactive engagement, the initiative turns political participation into a platform for informed decision-making and community impact. #NXTGENNERATIVE transforms youth involvement into a movement that champions peace, integrity, and active democratic participation, inspiring the next generation to lead with knowledge and purpose.
HEALTH — Boronyog: A Localized Youth-Lead Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV Programming (Visible Inclusion)
A groundbreaking initiative for youth health, Boronyog: A Localized Youth-Led SRHR & HIV Programming creates safe and inclusive spaces for open discussions on sexual and reproductive health and HIV awareness. Through education sessions, community outreach, and empathetic guidance, the program equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills needed to make informed and healthy life choices. Boronyog empowers youth to take ownership of their well-being while fostering a culture of respect, awareness, and support within the community.
GLOBAL MOBILITY — One Call: Compassion Without Wall (JCI-Catanduanes)
Rooted in service and solidarity, One Call connects the local community to global humanitarian action. By extending compassion beyond borders, JCI Catanduanes shows how collective empathy can transcend distance and unite people with shared purpose. Through coordinated relief efforts, partnerships, and rapid response initiatives, One Call empowers communities to stand together in times of need. It inspires every individual to contribute, fosters a culture of compassion, and demonstrates that even small acts of kindness can ripple into meaningful change worldwide.