2019 TOYM AWARDING CEREMONY

By: May Joan M. Abellana, 2019 Search Chairperson of TOYM

“Show me the heroes that the youth of your country look up to, and I will tell you the future of your country.” – Idowu Koyenikan

The Outstanding Young Men and Women of the Philippines (TOYM) is on its 60th Year of Changing Lives, Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Filipinos. The JCI Philippines, co-sponsored by PLDT, Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc., and The TOYM Foundation, Inc. honored Ten Outstanding Young Men and Woman last December 13, 2019 at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel.

After almost a year of searching nationwide and going through a very tedious screening and judging, with more than a hundred nominations, only ten remarkable Honorees came out and bagged the prestigious award. The awarding ceremony was well-attended by no less than the Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairwoman of the 2019 TOYM Board of Judges, Hon. Estela Perlas-Bernabe. The 2019 Outstanding Young Men were awarded to the following recipients:

1. Reynaldo Seville Abellana for Arts and Humanities - Classic Music

2. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong for Government Service

3. Alfonso Tomas Araullo for Journalism and Mass Communication - Broadcast Journalism 4. Casiano Hermopia Choresca Jr., Phd. for Agricultural Science - Fisheries and Agriculture

5. Dino Carlo Reyes Chua for Business – Tourism

6. Glenn Fiel Fernandez, Phd. for Political and Social Sciences – Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction

7. Gerardo Gregorios Francisco Jr. for Arts and Humanities – Dance

8. Dr. Marc Paul Jose Lopez for Medicine for Colon and Rectal Surgery

9. Engr. Aisa Alvarez Mijeno for Science Technology and Engineering – Green Technology

10. Rep. Alfredo Paolo Dumlao Vargas III for Public Service

These Young Men and Woman were recognized in their exemplary achievements as young active citizens who brought about positive change in our country. The ceremony highlighted their excellence, contribution to nation building and their leadership in their respective fields.

The Honorees were also joined by their families and their respective JCI Chapter Endorsers. The event was also graced by our Guest of Honor Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexel B. Nograles, who represented the President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The awarding ceremony was followed by a testimonial dinner. All Ten Honorees were given the opportunity to deliver their very inspiring testimonies.

The 2019 Search is made possible because of the hardworking team behind it, The TOYM Committee, headed by the National Chairperson Raymond J. Salazar guided by JCI Philippines 2019 National President Paul Jess Estrellado, National Executive Vice President Disston Tan, National Treasurer Paul Yves Dumlao, and National Secretary General Jose Paolo Walican.

The TOYM Foundation is chaired by Bienvenido Tantoco III. Among others, the event also recognized the efforts of the screening committee composed of past honorees with 2009 TOYM Honoree for Maritime Health, Don Eliseo Prisno III, as Chairman of the Screening Panel.

Meanwhile, the Board of Judges are Mr. Ryan Enriquez, Chairperson of National Youth Commission; Dr. Raul Sunico, Chairman of Doctoral Studies of St. Paul University; Mr. Ramoncito Fernandez, President & CEO of Maynilad Water Services; Atty. Jose Lina, Jr., President of The Manila Hotel; and Hon. Francisco Moreno Domagoso, City Mayor of Manila; Dr. Raquel Del Rosario-Fortun, Chairperson of the Department of Pathology of the University of the Philippines Manila; Sen. Risa Hontiveros; and SC Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Over the years, the TOYM has become an institution having develop a reputation for its selectiveness of Outstanding Young Men and Women seeks to give National Recognition to young Filipinos between ages 18 to 40 years old for their selfless dedication to their profession or vocation that has resulted to a significant contribution to the welfare of their countrymen adhering to one of the JCI Tenets and Values “that service to humanity is the best work of life.” •