MANILA — The Quezon City government is set to recognize grade school and high school students for their selfless service to their respective schools and communities.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said that she will give “Joy of Public Service” Award to 147 elementary students and 30 secondary students for School Year 2017-2018.
On top of the award, each of the student will receive a medal, a special certificate, and PHP2,000 cash gift.
“The point of the award is to recognize the most service-oriented students. So ito yung mga bata na (these are the kids who) nagpa-practice ng (the) volunteerism, ito yung mga bata na (these are the kids who are) active sa mga iba-ibang (in different) organizations na may (which have) relevance sa kabataan (to the youth), like socially relevant organizations or environmentally relevant organizations. Ito rin yung mga batang kusang loob na nagtatrabaho, naglilingkod at tumutulong na walang kapalit (These are also the kids who voluntarily work, serve and help others for nothing in return),” Belmonte said.
She said she goes around the city’s public schools to attend commencement exercises and personally hand out the award to selected students.
Belmonte said students, who are candidates for the award, must demonstrate the value of “service above self” and should “show exemplary commitment to the service of the school, its communities and its students.”
The local official said students must also show interest and genuine concern on social issues such as environmental protection and children’s rights and welfare.
“I believe that the basis for good leadership is not high grades, but the ability, capacity or willingness to serve the community. The award doesn’t go to the student with the highest grade; it goes to the one who has the most selfless heart,” Belmonte said. (PNA)
