TAYO Awards Foundation opens 22nd search for top youth organizations

ACHIEVERS. Applications for the 22nd TAYO Awards are open. Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Facebook page. This year's theme honors young leaders who confront economic disruption, disinformation, and climate risks through concrete action The following is a press release from TAYO Awards Foundation. The TAYO Awards Foundation is officially accepting applications for its 22nd search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards, inviting proactive youth groups nationwide to showcase their local community impact.Inspired by the Philippine National Anthem’s line “duyan ka ng magiting,” this year’s theme, “Magiting,” honors young leaders who confront economic disruption, disinformation, and climate risks through concrete action.“Being magiting means leading with courage, serving with purpose, and staying committed to building a better Philippines,” says Ferdinand “Ford” Bonoan, executive director of the TAYO Awards Foundation. “It’s choosing to serve even when resources are limited. It’s continuing to lead when things are uncertain. It’s standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. And it’s giving hope to others when they need it the most,” he adds. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and former National Youth Commission Chairperson Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV co-founded TAYO in 2002 as the country’s premier award-giving body for youth organizations. For over two decades, the Foundation has engaged more than 8,000 groups and recognized 400 community initiatives across all 17 regions.Reflecting on the enduring importance of this mission, the founders called on a new generation of leaders to embrace the “Magiting” spirit.Highlighting the true essence of youth leadership, Aquino emphasized the core value of integrity. “Ang tunay na kagitingan ay hindi nasusukat sa titulo o posisyon, kung hindi sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuno at pagkilos. Laging tandaan na ang tunay na leader ay may integridad — gumagawa ng tama, may nakakakita man o wala,” he shared. “Kasama ‘nyo po kami sa laban para sa isang mas inklusibo, mas makatao, at mas makatarungang kinabukasan.”Underscoring the modern challenges facing young Filipinos, Pangilinan rallied youth leaders to remain steadfast in driving change. “This year’s theme is a reminder of our youth’s role in being catalysts for change throughout history. In this digital age, continue to be brave in this digital battlefield despite being outnumbered by a massive, well-budgeted propaganda machinery,” Pangilinan said. “If we want to see positive change in our communities, we must take it upon ourselves to do our part.” Youth groups of five or more members, whether formal or non-formal, can submit their recent community projects. The search covers six core impact areas: Culture, Arts, and Heritage; Education and Technology; Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Action; Health, Well-being, and Human Development; Livelihood, Entrepreneurship, and Social Innovation; and Peacebuilding, Governance, and Human Rights. Judges will evaluate entries based on stakeholder impact, volunteer spirit, innovation, and resource sustainability. Winners will receive grants, entry into the TAYO Alumni network, and a custom trophy sculpted by Toym Imao, son of National Artist Abdulmari Asia Imao.Youth organizations can submit applications through the official TAYO website www.tayoawards.net.The TAYO Awards Foundation, Inc. is the Philippines’ premier award-giving body and platform dedicated to recognizing and supporting the outstanding contributions of youth organizations across the country. Founded on the mission to honor youth-led nation-building, the Foundation has grown over the past two decades into a dynamic platform that amplifies grassroots advocacies, retells community stories, and fosters collaboration and inspiration among the Filipino youth. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading