In an era where lasting change may often feel like a faraway dream, the anthem of Taylor Swift’s “Only the Young” rings with a powerful and urgent truth. The song captures a generational call to action that echoes through the lives of youth groups—youth groups that are rising to the occasion and proving that after all this time, they have been the harbingers of transformation all along.
In a remarkable testament to the power of youth-led initiatives, the TAYO Awards Foundation recognized and awarded the ten most accomplished youth organizations in the areas of Culture, Arts, and Heritage; Education and Technology; Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaptation; Health, Wellbeing, and Human Development; as well as Livelihood and Entrepreneurship during its 21st National Awarding Ceremony held on August 19, Monday, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila.
Under the theme “Makabayani,” a blend of the words makabayan (love for one’s country) and bayani (hero), this year’s awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of young leaders and their positive contributions to nation building.
“Ang pagsagot sa hamon para maging isang Makabayani ay nangangailangan ng malalim at totoong paniniwala at pagmamahal sa Pilipino, the Filipino is worth uniting for,” said former senator Bam Aquino during his keynote message.
TAYO 21 Awardees as Modern Day Heroes
For more than two decades, the TAYO Awards Foundation has recognized and honored exceptional youth organizations that embody the spirit of service and patriotism. This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of modern heroism and showcases how these youth organizations are not only driven by a love for their country, but are also actively transforming their communities with their passion projects and initiatives.
The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Top 10 Awardees are as follows:
Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests
Second Chance Philippines
Achieve Minarog Youth Organization
MSU – Iligan Institute of Technology Youth Chain of Peace
Sidha – San Jose City
Therawee Health Innovation Inc.
ADHIKA PH Inc.
Project Barako
Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc.
Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc.
The Top 10 awardees and 10 finalists received a TAYO trophy by national artist, Toym Imao, as well as Php 50,000 and Php 20,000 seed grants, respectively, to help fund their ongoing projects or start new ones.
