DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY — From the streets of Tagum City to the international halls of the United Nations, Juanquine “Wacky” Racho has defied odds and inspired a nation with a life rooted in Honor, Excellence, and Service.
This July, he made history as he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Public Administration from the University of the Philippines – Diliman, while also receiving the prestigious Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Mag-aaral, the university’s highest award recognizing unparalleled academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Racho, a former Class Valedictorian of San Pedro College and Salutatorian at Tagum City National High School – DOST section, embodies a life of purpose and compassion. A scholar, community leader, and youth advocate, Racho’s journey is a testament to perseverance and public service.
“We’ve committed ourselves to service rooted in purpose and compassion. These recognitions reflect sacrifice and a deep love for the Filipino people,” Racho shared.
A legacy of impact beyond the classroom
Wacky Racho’s accomplishments span national and international borders. He has:
- Completed international exchange programs at Northern Arizona University (USA), National University of Singapore, and York University (Canada)
- Represented the Philippines in over 30 international and national conferences, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York and youth dialogues hosted by UNDP, ASEF, and the World Bank
- Founded three national NGOs: Youth Service Philippines, Coexister Philippines, and Tabang Ta Bai, leading over 200 community projects
- Launched major national youth initiatives such as the National Youth Volunteers Summit, the Outstanding Youth Leaders of the Philippines, and Project Indigo Community Learning Libraries, with 16 community learning hubs established nationwide
Racho also holds over 100 awards in journalism, research, leadership, and policy innovation. Among his notable recognitions are
- Best Delegate – Global Youth Festival, Uzbekistan
- People Defender of the Year – Individual Category
- Outstanding Youth Leader – Sinag Kabataan Awards
- Futures Thinking Award – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
- DOH Health Promotion Champion – 1st Place
- QS Impact Awards – International Finalist
- ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar Pitch Winner – Indonesia
- Young SDG Champion of 2024-2025
Purpose before prestige
Behind the long list of achievements lies a story of quiet resilience. Racho credits his success to the sacrifices of his mother, who raised him and his brother alone, and to the values instilled by his grandparents and uncles.
“We made history. But these awards don’t define who I am. What matters most are the communities we serve. I worked in college to fund our NGO projects—not for prestige, but to uplift others,” he said.
“To those reading this—show up. Even when it’s hard. Even when you don’t feel ready. Every time you do, something good comes out of it.”
A call to continue: The Sablay committed to serve
Wacky Racho’s story is not just about graduating with Latin honors. It is the story of a young man who chose to rise above his circumstances and dedicate his life to serving others, empowering the youth, and transforming communities. From the streets of Tagum to the stage of UP Diliman, and all the way to the halls of the United Nations—he has carried the Filipino spirit with him: resilient, selfless, and unbreakable.
His journey reminds us that titles or trophies do not measure success, but by the lives we lift, the spaces we serve, and the dreams we awaken in others. The Sablay he now wears is not the end of a chapter—it is the beginning of a lifelong duty to the nation.
As he steps forward from the University of the Philippines as Summa Cum Laude, a Gawad Tsanselor awardee, and a servant-leader of the people, Wacky Racho leaves this message to every dreamer:
“You don’t have to come from privilege to make an impact. You only need the courage to show up, the heart to serve, and the faith to keep going—even when no one is watching. Patuloy tayo. Lagi’t lagi, para sa bayan.”
Let this be our call, too: To show up. To serve and to believe that a better nation is always possible, if we dare to build it together.
