By Mikee Natinga Norico
From left to right: Mr. Daryl L. Lutero and Dr. Ju-im T. Jimlan, proudly hold their certificates and plaques of recognition as Regional Winners of the 2024 Search for Outstanding Volunteers, exemplifying their dedication to community service and leadership.
Two outstanding Centralians have been recognized as regional winners in the prestigious 2024 Search for Outstanding Volunteers organized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The awarding ceremony was held on December 13, 2024, at the RDC Hall, NEDA Building, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City. Dr. Ju-im T. Jimlan, a student at the School of Graduate Studies, and Mr. Daryl L. Lutero, a faculty member of the Social Sciences Department, stood among the honored awardees, showcasing the commitment to volunteerism and community service deeply rooted in the Centralian spirit.
Both Dr. Jimlan and Mr. Lutero shared their profound gratitude and reflections on receiving the award. Mr. Lutero, encouraged by his colleague and fellow Centralian, Russnie Ron Flores (a 2020 regional awardee), expressed that being recognized provides him with a broader platform to inspire other volunteers. “It feels like having a bigger platform to also share the motivation for my fellow volunteers with different causes and from different stories,” he said.
Dr. Jimlan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of standing alongside educators, community leaders, and youth advocates who share a passion for service. “It was an honor to stand alongside such inspiring volunteers who share the same passion for community service,” he stated.
For Mr. Lutero, the award reaffirms the importance of serving the community despite the challenges of balancing multiple commitments. “Being recognized, I felt like I’m representing the micro stories of volunteers who’re trying their best to serve the hope for our motherland,” he shared. Professionally, the award serves as a reminder to educators about their capacity and responsibility to contribute to nation-building.
Dr. Jimlan, on the other hand, emphasized that the recognition validates the integration of service into education and leadership. “Personally, it reaffirms my purpose of serving others. Professionally, it validates the importance of integrating service into education and leadership,” he remarked.
Mr. Lutero’s contributions to the community include his work as a cluster coordinator and researcher for the Generation Peace Youth Network, which focuses on peacebuilding. He has also been actively involved in the Youth Monitors project, which contributed to the creation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) 2023-2033. In addition, he has spearheaded leadership training programs, literacy advocacies, and children’s rights initiatives.
Dr. Jimlan’s volunteer efforts span various sectors, including environmental stewardship through coral planting, educational support by providing school supplies to underprivileged learners, cultural preservation with the Aklanon Bukidnon Indigenous People, and compassionate healthcare service to ICU patients. His work also extends to empowering professionals in communication and leadership skills.
Both honorees credited Central Philippine University (CPU) for instilling the values of servant leadership and community service. Mr. Lutero, a former Board Member and Governor of the College of Arts and Sciences, acknowledged the support of his department and colleagues in allowing him to grow and continue his passion for community development. “CPU equipped me with capabilities and networks in volunteerism and values for the service of humanity. I served as Board Member and Governor of College of Arts and Sciences and established landmark programs as well as a former Most Outstanding Senator of CPUR 17th Parliament with remarkable programs and policies involved and initiated. Now, as a faculty, I’m very happy how my department, social sciences supported me with our Chairperosn, Dr. Darril Pamocol and program coordinator in PSPA, Dr. Renia Dela Peña. I felt like I was not limited in the bounds of thus university but my department with my colleagues were there allowing me to grow and continue my passion for community development,” he stated.
Dr. Jimlan emphasized the strong tradition of service among CPU alumni. “It highlights the strong tradition of service and leadership ingrained in CPU alumni, showcasing our commitment to creating meaningful change in society,” he said.
Looking ahead, both Dr. Jimlan and Mr. Lutero aim to expand their volunteer initiatives. Dr. Jimlan is motivated to focus on environmental education and youth leadership while collaborating with more organizations to amplify the impact of his efforts. Similarly, Mr. Lutero is driven to continue his advocacy for civic education and community development, inspiring others to take part in nation-building.
Dr. Jimlan shared an inspiring acronym that encapsulates the essence of volunteerism: VOLUNTEER. It stands for being Value-driven, seizing the Opportunity to serve, demonstrating Leadership through action, fostering Unity in diversity, Nurturing communities, Transforming lives, Empowering others, Engaging with purpose, and showing Resilience in service. This thoughtful framework highlights the transformative and purpose-driven nature of volunteerism, emphasizing its ability to bring meaningful change to individuals and communities alike.
This acronym underscores the transformative and purpose-driven impact of volunteerism on individuals and communities alike.
As Central Philippine University celebrates this remarkable achievement, the recognition of Dr. Ju-im T. Jimlan and Mr. Daryl L. Lutero as regional winners not only highlights their outstanding contributions but also serves as an inspiration for Centralians to continue championing volunteerism and creating meaningful change.