Two outstanding members of the PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS) family were honored at the 2025 PHINMA Service Awards for their exceptional dedication to uplifting lives and driving positive change in their communities.
John Michael “JM” Kawamura and Airalyn “Aira” Gara received accolades in the PNS Scholar and PNS Mentor categories, respectively, during the awards ceremony held on March 13 at The Loft at Manansala. Both are alumni of the PNS program and are now educators who continue to pay it forward by shaping future generations.
JM, a junior high school science teacher at St. Mary of the Woods School in Makati, was recognized for his inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. A former biology major at Philippine Normal University (PNU), he held several leadership roles including founder and president of AGAPAY-CSJDM and GUNITA-CSJDM—youth organizations based in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan—from 2020 to 2022. He also served as vice chairperson of the SJDM Local Youth Development Council’s Economic Empowerment Committee (2022–2023) and led the finance committee of PNU’s Balingsasayaw from 2021 to 2022.
“PHINMA has been incredibly helpful,” JM shared. “There were so many events, workshops, and seminars that taught me how to be more professional and improve myself.” He credited the program for inspiring his journey as a mentor to fellow youth leaders striving to make a difference.
Aira, meanwhile, was celebrated for her role as a Big Sister to five PNS scholars over the past six years, all while teaching at Ateneo de Manila Junior High School. A cum laude graduate of PNU with a degree in Filipino education, she also received the Making Lives Better award in 2019 for her deep commitment to teaching and service.
“Mentoring our scholars is more than giving back to PHINMA,” Aira said during her acceptance speech. “It’s about revisiting the meaningful experiences that shaped my values and honoring the people who helped me get to where I am today.”
Nicole “Nikki” del Rosario-Serafica, President of PHINMA Foundation Inc. (PFI) and a member of this year’s judging panel, commended JM and Aira for embodying PHINMA’s values of integrity, competence, professionalism, and patriotism.
“Our awardees are proof that ordinary individuals can make extraordinary contributions to their communities,” she said. “My hope for both of you is that you’re always surrounded by people who empower you to be your best selves.”
JM and Aira joined two other honorees from the PHINMA Employee categories: Franklin “Kleng” De Guzman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at PHINMA University of Pangasinan, and Dr. Ma. Paciencia “Paz” Belarmino, Chief of Clinics at the College of Dentistry, Southwestern University PHINMA.
Kleng received recognition in the “Community Service Beyond Role at Work” category for his volunteer efforts supporting underprivileged youth. Dr. Paz was honored in the “Profession in Action” category for her decades-long work delivering dental care to remote communities and helping secure scholarships and resources to sustain outreach programs.
“At PHINMA, our work goes beyond business,” said PHINMA Chairman and CEO Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. “By serving the underserved in meaningful and unique ways, we become a force for good.”
