The Laguna University – Young Entrepreneurs Society (LU-YES) proudly represented the university at the prestigious Gawad Laguna Inc. (GLI) – Araw ng Parangal 2024, culminating their recognition as one of the Namumukod-Tanging Organisasyong Pangkabataan ng Laguna.
The Gawad Laguna Inc. is a private organization dedicated to honoring outstanding youth and youth organizations across the province, promoting service, compassion, and leadership anchored on integrity and faith.
The LU-YES journey began on November 21, 2024, with an initial interview at GLI headquarters. Led by President Mhelineth O. Rebong, together with officers Denhill B. Sion (VP for Internal Affairs), Benedict C. Monsanto (VP for External Affairs), Lorraine Jade S. Matute (Secretary), and Christine Mhae E. Valdez (Treasurer), the group highlighted their community-focused programs, particularly their livelihood initiatives in Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti, Laguna. The panel, composed of GLI President Mr. Clifford Robin Gabatin, Ms. Raiza Mae Togado, Dr. Abdiel Balala, and Dr. John Carlo Lorbis, assessed the organization’s impact and sustainability.
On November 24, LU-YES officers submitted their official documents for validation at Bahay Laguna in Magdalena. During the process, they were asked to detail their contributions and future plans for the organization.
Continuing to the next phase, the LU-YES team attended the Project Management Training and Final Interview on November 30 at the Office of the Youth Development Affairs. The session was hosted by GLI and featured training from Dr. John Carlo C. Lobris on managing organizational projects. The LU-YES team also participated in planning exercises and presented a project proposal, followed by their final interview focusing on organizational governance, relevance, and long-term impact.
The program concluded on December 1 during the Araw ng Parangal held at Bahay Laguna. The event featured a formal program including a processional, inspirational messages from GLI leaders and guest speaker Mr. Mark Oliver S. Llangco, and performances from cultural groups. One of the event’s highlights was the awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding individuals and youth organizations in Laguna.
While the Katoto Project claimed the title of Pinakanamumukod-Tanging Organisasyon Pangkabataan ng Laguna, LU-YES, along with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines – Laguna Council, Rotaract Club of Cavinti, Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier, and Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Laguna, were recognized among the Namumukod-Tanging Organisasyon awardees.
The LU-YES officers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to empowering fellow students and youth entrepreneurs through meaningful projects and sustainable leadership.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organization, inspiring LU-YES to continue fostering innovation, community service, and youth empowerment in the years to come.
by: Lorraine Jade S. Matute /EUN
Ms. Mhelineth O. Rebong, President
Mr. Benedict C. Monsanto, VP for External Affairs
Mr. Denhill B. Sion, VP for Internal Affairs
Ms. Christine Mhae E. Valdez, Treasurer
