Rotary Makati fetes youth leadership, service at PHYLA 2025

The Rotary Club of Makati capped the 2025 Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards (PHYLA) with a gala night in Makati City on January 30, recognizing three young Filipino leaders for their work in service, leadership and social impact.

After eight months of screening and evaluation, Shawntel Nicole M. Nieto of Rotary District 3800 from Cainta, Rizal was named the PHYLA 2025 Grand Winner. Nieto is the co-founder of Sustainability PH, an organization that equips professionals from various fields to lead and implement sustainable initiatives. She was nominated by the Rotary Club of Wack Wack and received a P500,000 cash prize to support and expand her advocacy.

Nieto highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing poverty and inequality, emphasizing the role of sustainability practitioners in building inclusive and resilient communities.

First runner-up honors went to Coleen Awit of Rotary District 3850 from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Awit founded Sagup Negros, a social enterprise focused on building self-sustaining ecosystems through inclusive and community-driven solutions. She was nominated by the Rotaract Club of Metro Bacolod.

Completing the top three awardees was Herna Francis Mae B. Tano of Rotary District 3870 from Opol, Misamis Oriental. Tano is the co-founder of Talentrail 2.0, a program that provides accessible opportunities for young people facing barriers to education and employment. She was nominated by the Rotaract Club of Metro Valencia.

A Special Award was also conferred on Anora P. Madrid of Rotary District 3810 from Tondo, Manila, for her work with a Smokey Mountain community organization advocating for urban poor rights, sustainable livelihoods and community resilience. She was nominated by the Rotary Club of Metro Escolta.

Other finalists recognized during the ceremony included Ralph Eric F. Bernardo of District 3770; Eugene dela Cruz of District 3780; Vanessa Gabrielle V. Del Rosario of District 3790; Regine M. Cortez of District 3820; Dave Louie Ang of District 3830; and Juanquine Carlo R. Castro of District 3860.

The gala night also featured the presentation of Youth Sports Personality Awards to tennis player Alex Eala and swimmer Kayla Sanchez for their dedication to sports and their role as inspirations to the youth. Both awardees received P100,000 each, sponsored by Trinity Insurance Brokers Inc.

Launched in Rotary Year 2023–2024, PHYLA honors the legacy of the late Past Rotary International Director Rafael “Paing” Hechanova, a member of the Rotary Club of Makati known for his contributions to Philippine sports and public service. Now on its second run, the program serves as the club’s flagship initiative recognizing exceptional young leaders across the country.

The program was conceptualized and chaired by Past District Governor Sid Garcia, with Rotary Club of Makati President Eddie Galvez serving as lead convenor. This year’s edition was steered by a team of past district governors and officers, supported by a dedicated organizing committee.

As part of the program, the top 10 finalists participated in a two-day boot camp and team-building activity designed to strengthen leadership skills, enhance initiatives and expand community impact through mentorship and networking.

The national panel of judges included President Galvez, Raissa Hechanova-Posadas, Willie Fernandez, Dr. Antonio del Carmen and Gregory Domingo.

The Rotary Club of Makati also acknowledged the support of sponsors, partners and donors who helped make PHYLA 2025 possible.