Written by Florianne R. Dangiwan
The University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES) proudly celebrates the achievements of two outstanding pupils who were recognized for their exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.
On June 13, 2026, Zephanaia Ielle S. Tagara, Supreme Pupil Government President for School Year 2025-2026, and Heiss Izek C. Simon, an active member of the Boy Scouts, received the prestigious Youth Leadership Excellence Awards from JCI Philippines. The awarding ceremony was held at the CDRRM Hall in Lower Rock Quarry.
The awards highlight young individuals who demonstrate remarkable potential in leadership and embody the values of integrity, responsibility, and community engagement. Both students were cited for their outstanding academic achievements, dedication to community service, excellence in sports (swimming and basketball), and strong sense of social responsibility — qualities that truly reflect the spirit and values of the UBLES community.
Zephanaia Ielle S. Tagara has consistently stood out as a well-rounded leader and athlete. As Supreme Pupil Government President, she guided her fellow pupils and represented student voices in important school matters. Beyond leadership, Zephanaia is an outstanding athlete in swimming, proudly representing UBLES in competitions locally, nationally, and internationally. Her discipline, perseverance, and ability to excel both in academics and sports have made her a role model within the school community.
Heiss Izek C. Simon, known for his active involvement in the Boy Scouts, has exemplified discipline, teamwork, and a deep commitment to community service. His participation in scouting activities has honed his skills in emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, and leadership under challenging situations. He is also an active basketball player, where his athleticism and sportsmanship further complement his strong academic performance.
In addition, UBLES proudly recognizes Ms. Madayag, Kylie Rafaelle and Guibac, Zea Geraldine W., who were also honored with the Youth Leadership Excellence Award by JCI Philippines during the Youth Leadership Excellence Awards (YLEA) held on June 1, 2026, at SM City Baguio. Their recognition further highlights the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible, service-oriented, and globally competitive learners.
The school community expressed immense pride of these awardees. Their achievements underscore the holistic development that UBLES nurtures — balancing academic rigor with character formation, leadership training, athletic excellence, and social awareness.
The Youth Leadership Excellence Awards from JCI Philippines serve as a testament to the bright future these young leaders hold. By honoring our UBLES learners, the organization continues to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
This achievement is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which emphasizes equal opportunities and recognition of talents regardless of background; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which encourages the development of responsible, ethical, and community-oriented young leaders; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which highlights collaboration between schools, organizations, and communities such as JCI Philippines and UBLES in nurturing future leaders. These SDG-aligned values are clearly reflected in the achievements and character formation of the awardees.
University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School extends its warmest congratulations to the awardees. Their success brings honor not only to themselves and their families but also to the entire UBLES community, reinforcing the school’s commitment to producing well-rounded, responsible, and service-oriented individuals.
