Heroes Hall, Malacañang
21 January 2016

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma Jr. led the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Year 13 Awarding Ceremonies at Malacañan Palace.

In his message, the Secretary recognized the youth’s power to mobilize the country’s social transformation. “Sa mga gaya ninyong kabataan, talagang sumusulong at umaarangkada ang ating bayan. Ramdam na ramdam sa kasalukuyan ang transpormasyong nagaganap dahil sa pakikiisa ng mas nakakaraming Pilipino,” he said.

This year, six winners outside the National Capital Region (NCR) were named. The list includes — Cebu City’s School of Law Advocacy and Community Enrichment of University of San Carlos for their entry “Case Follow-up for Jail Decongestion and Inmates Paralegal Training Program,” empowering inmates to know their rights and judicial process; the Tanay Mountaineers for their project “Community-based Charcoal Briquetting Project,” introducing the process of charcoal briquetting which does not require cutting down of trees; Bacolod City’s Kanlaon Theater Guild for their entry “Project Dangup,” aiming to impart awareness on disaster risk reduction and management through theater plays; Oriental Mindoros’ “Keep Hope Alive for the Fight4five,” an outreach project that focuses on health, education, environmental awareness, youth and community empowerment and cultural preservation; Agusan del Sur’s Bayugan National Comprehensive High School for their entry “YECS School Supplies,” a laboratory project aimed at honing the skills and entrepreneurial abilities of students; and Albay’s Tobog Youth Organization for their project “TDCC Rehabilitation: Pagrumrom sa Guinikanan,” a day-care rehabilitation project.

The awardees from NCR are — UP Alchemes (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Student) for their project “Research Fair,” aimed at harnessing and bridging young minds through scientific investigations; I am M.A.D (Making a Difference), Inc. for their entry “I am Making A Difference,” a three-day outreach program for the youths in grades 4 to 6; Environment and Climate Change Research Institute of De La Salle Araneta University for their project “Impact and Risk Analyses of Long-Term Climate Variability on Food and Environmental Security in Tarlac Province,” introducing the Solar Powered Ultrasonic Flood Detector System which now serves as disaster risk management device; and Youth Sports Advocacy for the “Project YSA,” aimed at changing society through sports.

Organized in 2004, the TAYO Awards hopes to inspire young people to find innovative solutions through their organizations. The organization annually hosts the TAYO Awards in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.

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