Rotary Club of Makati named Shawntiel Nicole M. Nieto, founder of Sustainability PH, as the grand prize winner of the Paeng Hechanova YouthLeadership Awards (PHYLA), its flagship youth leadership initiative.

Sustainability PH is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and supporting a community of sustainability leaders, particularly Filipino professionals, advocates, and young practitioners, working to advance sustainable development across the country.

Nieto dedicated her award to her uncle, who had recently undergone a successful medical procedure and was unable to attend the event.

“I wanted to offer or dedicate this award to him, particularly because, for the most part, seeing him serve, seeing him dedicate most of his life to public service made me see how so much change could actually happen if proper leadership, will, and action are present,” she said.

She also called for collective action amid persistent governance challenges, stressing that incremental efforts are not enough.

“What we need to do right now is to go beyond ourselves, live and act and work always in the service of others and in the pursuit of a better, more just, equitable, and sustainable country. Because if we do anything less, anything short of that, well, we see what happens now. But it’s possible, it’s better, and we can do it right now.”

Young leaders assemble

Held at the Main Ballroom of the Manila Polo Club in Makati, the event brought together prominent Rotarians, members of the media, and the 10 national finalists, all vying for P500,000 grand prize to support their respective community initiatives.

Launched in 2024, PHYLA recognizes outstanding young leaders across the Philippines who demonstrate innovation, integrity, and a deep commitment to community service.

The awards aim to uplift changemakers whose work is already making a meaningful impact in education, health, the environment, sports, food security, and social development.

The awards followed a two-tiered judging process. At the district level, candidates were evaluated by a panel composed of the Rotary district coordinator, district chair, and representatives from the Council of Governors.

District winners advanced to the national level, where the Top 10 finalists participated in a leadership boot camp designed to further hone their skills and advocacies.

At the district level, awardees received P50,000 (first place), P30,000 (second place) and P20,000 (third place).

At the national level, the Grand Winner received P500,000, the First Runner-Up P250,000, and the Second Runner-Up P150,000.

In addition, the nominating Rotary Clubs of national finalists were awarded P50,000 each to help sustain and expand youth-led projects.

“PHYLA recognizes outstanding youth leaders, supports their community service advocacies, honors one of our deeply beloved members, engages new Rotarians, and strengthens the public image of Rotary,” Rotary Club of Makati president Eddie Galvez said.

High-impact program

“This is the kind of meaningful, high-impact program that the Rotary Club of Makati aspires to be known for in the long run — one that builds leaders, transforms communities, and leaves a lasting legacy,” he added.

Joining Galvez on the national panel of judges was DAILY TRIBUNE president and publisher Wilfredo B. Fernandez, who played a key role in selecting this year’s winners. Fernandez received two recognition plaques — one for his role as national judge and another on behalf of DAILY TRIBUNE as the event’s media partner.

TRIBUNE columnist Bing Matoto was also honored for serving as Chairman of the Organizing Committee for this year’s awards. Matoto previously served as Rotary Club president during the inaugural year of PHYLA.

This year’s ceremony also introduced the Sports Personality Awards, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, recognizing exceptional young athletes who exemplify discipline, performance, character, and leadership. The inaugural recipients were tennis star Alex Eala and Olympic medalist swimmer Kayla Sanchez, who each received P100,000 to support their training and athletic development.