A POWERFUL SENSE of purpose and legacy filled the halls of the Quezon City Sports Complex today, April 18, as Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees convene for a landmark Awardees Assembly—an event that celebrated not only past achievements, but a continuing commitment to leadership and service.
Rep. Leila de Lima leads the assembly’s Inspirational Sharers, to be introduced by journalist Marites Dangilan Vitug.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN
What began as a spark in 2008 has since grown into a nationwide movement. Chosen by Judy Araneta Roxas to help organize and unite awardees, early leaders of the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awards forged a shared vision—one that transcends recognition and calls for purpose-driven action. Through spirited dialogue and collaboration, they defined a mission rooted in leadership, accountability, and nation-building.
The Gerry Roxas Leadership Award itself traces its origins to the vision of the late Gerry Roxas, who believed in identifying and nurturing leadership potential among the youth. Today, that vision lives on through a growing network of more than 50,000 awardees across the country, spanning generations and professions.
‘[T]he Gerry Roxas Leadership medal is not merely a symbol of achievement—it is a call to action. A call to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to keep the flame of leadership alive for generations to come.’
PAY IT FORWARD
Central to this legacy is the work of GRLAinc, the awardees’ organization, whose scholarship program remains its flagship initiative.
Since 2009, it has supported and mentored young scholars—not only through academic funding but through values formation and leadership development. Many have gone on to excel in their fields, embodying the principle of “paying it forward.”
Beyond education, GRLAinc has actively responded to national needs. During the devastation of Typhoon Ondoy, awardees mobilized relief efforts that reached thousands. From medical missions to community outreach, the organization has consistently demonstrated that leadership extends far beyond titles.
The assembly also highlighted mentorship as a cornerstone of its mission. Through initiatives like the Ate-Kuya system, experienced awardees guide younger members, building bridges across generations. Distinguished awardees—including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop Pablo Virgilio Andrade David, and Fr. Tito Caluag—serve as enduring examples of leadership grounded in integrity and service.
Past GRLAinc presidents were also recognized during the gathering, including Tony Leachon, Willard Grageda, Nick Conti, and Cholo Kawada, each contributing to the organization’s steady growth and impact.
As the assembly concludes, one message resonatesclearly: the Gerry Roxas Leadership medal is not merely a symbol of achievement—it is a call to action. A call to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to keep the flame of leadership alive for generations to come.
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