Nationally recognized for his outstanding commitment to community service, Normalite student-leader Jhosua A. Peralta (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies II) represented the hues of crimson and gold during Asia’s Royalty Awards last January 30, 2023, at Okada, Manila.

 

Being the lone receiver of Outstanding Advocacy Volunteer and Empowered Professional Leader 2023 in Public Service and Volunteerism, as well as the first-ever Normalite Asia’s Royalty Awardee, Peralta’s most recent international achievement was highly praised by many.

 

The 22-year-old from Mananga, Tabunok, Talisay City labeled himself as a “visionary slum boy” and claimed that the unfortunate conditions of his place of origin were what primarily pushed him into volunteer work and public service.

 

“For 10 years of volunteering on different occasions. I can say that doing something beneficial for other people and the community gives us a sense of accomplishment. By that, you are creating an impact by changing the lives of people,” Peralta stated.

 

He also revealed that he is no stranger to receiving awards honoring his service as he spent the last decade organizing and participating in numerous philanthropic initiatives such as Bugas Taliwala sa Pandemya (Rice Amid the Pandemic), a 3-year long project by Giving Rice Support and Feeding Programs; and Bag ng Pag-asa (Bag of Hope), which aided 200 students in areas around Tabunok.

 

“Not changing [their] his/her whole life, but just changing how [they] he/she see[s] the world; in a more positive and more goal-oriented outlook of life. And that is to help, to serve, and create an impact on other people, communities, nations, and the world,” he added.

 

Furthermore, Peralta expressed his gratitude to various private sectors and donors who contributed to the realization of the projects he worked on.

 

“Volunteering is not a one-way system. It’s a two-way system where we need to collaborate and expand our connection to reach more individuals and organizations that will help us along the way in achieving the programs and projects that we planned. The people that I have mentioned were able to help me throughout the program…They have been my guiding armor to never stop pursuing my dreams and what activities and programs I want to create and accomplish in my community,” he shared.

 

CNU’s shelf space for future awards

 

In an interview with Ang Suga, College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Dr. Helen Boholano stated that though this is the first Asian Royalty award the university has received, she is confident that there will be more in the future.

 

“Yes, [I am confident] because of their [Educators’ Council (EC)] leadership…If you look at it, naa man god ta’y gitawag nga Community Extension Services. So, this is really very important. And if you look at the community award policy, na-hit gyod nato,” she stated.

 

Furthermore, Educators’ Council (EC) Governor Hon. Lheanne Jude Salvacion also expressed his appreciation of Peralta as he said, “Magkaila mi, pero wala ko kahibaw [that he won an international award]. He’s very down to earth.”

 

The Asia’s Royalty Awards is an organization that celebrates exemplary performance and dedication in various fields by giving the awardees a “royalty treatment” during the awarding ceremony. §

 

Words by Kimberly Keith Gonzaga

Photos grabbed from JP Amorado