Most Outstanding Kapampangan

by Rhea Rowena M. Ubana (BLIS 2000)

Michael N. Quilala poses with his trophy
at the awarding ceremonies..

The Most Outstanding Kapampangan in the Field of Youth Service in the province of Pampanga for 2005 is an alumnus of the Institute of Library and Information Science. Michael N. Quilala (BLIS 2001) was conferred the award last December 11, 2005 during the celebration of the 434th Pampanga Day Celebration.

Michael—or "Mike," as he is fondly called by his friends—is a cheerful, friendly, responsible, God-fearing, and very service-oriented person. His passion for service in the community was very evident during his younger years, both in elementary and high school.

At Sto. Niño Parish School, where he obtained his grade school diploma, Michael was the Liaison Officer of the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament of the Metropolitan Cathedral Church. This ensued until his secondary school years in Pampanga High School. On top of that, Michael also held positions in the school paper, student council and various clubs.

Michael’s leadership skills are not only demonstrated in the various positions he assumed in high school, but also in his service in the community, particularly in the Rectoral Youth Ministry (a consolidation of the various youth organizations in the Metropolitan Cathedral Church) and the Vicariate Youth Ministry (a consolidation of the various parish youth ministries in the different parishes of San Fernando, Pampanga), where he held the positions of President and Vicarial Secretary, respectively. Now, he is the Vicariate President, a position he has held since 1998.

Prior to bagging the Most Outstanding Kapampangan in the Field of Youth Service Award, Michael also received the Most Outstanding Fernandino for Youth Community Service in 2003, and was one of the Most Outstanding Parish Volunteers in the Archdiocese of San Fernando in 2004.

Despite the numerous responsibilities Michael has assumed and is still assuming, he is a librarian at heart, presently working as Librarian in the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies Program on Psychological Trauma and Human Rights. He is also, in concurrent capacities, one of the web managers for Child Protection in the Philippines, and the Emergency Psychosocial Support Network.

With his commitment to inspiring the youth to make a difference in our society and participating more in the works of the Church and the community, people can expect more milestones from Michael N. Quilala, a diligent community servant... and an assiduous Filipino librarian.