Heroes’ Hall, Malacañang
6 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the awarding ceremonies of the 10th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in Malacañang.

In his speech, President Aquino highlighted the amazing potential of the Filipino youth to help in nation-building and the fight against poverty.

“Tiwala akong magagawa natin ito, lalo pa’t nag-uumapaw ang ating bayan sa mga kabataang handing mag-ambag ng oras, talino at talent upang masolusyunan ang mga pambansang suliranin,” said the Chief Executive.

President Aquino added that the 28 million Filipino youth comprises 30% of the country’s total population. “Isipin na lamang ninyo kung gaano kalayo ang ating mararating kung bawa’t isa sa inyo ay kasabay nating sumasagwan sa direksyon ng katapatan, sa halip na katiwalian. Isipin na lamang ninyo ang lakas na maidadagdag ng halos dalawampu’t milyong bisig na kumikilos tungo sa malawakang kaunlarang sa bansa,” he said.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the National Youth Commission (NYC), Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Mr. Bam Aquino for actively supporting the advocacies of the Filipino youth.

The recipients of this year’s TAYO Awards are the following: Angat Kabataan (Taytay, Rizal), College of Business Administration – Kalipunan and Marketing Junior Executives of the University of the Cordilleras (Baguio City, Benguet), Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – Electrical Engineering Society (Sta. Cruz, Zambales), University of Luzon Students in Free Enterprise (Dagupan City, Pangasinan), Cebuano Youth Ambassadors (Mandaue City), Dire Husi Initiatives Inc. (Cagayan De Oro City), I CAN Make A Difference Inc. (Zamboanga City), Monte-Verde 4H Club (Zamboanga City); La Salle Debate Society, and One Million Lights Philippines (Makati City).

The TAYO Awards was established in 2002 to give recognition to outstanding youth organizations for their contributions in the development of their local communities, schools, and work place through launching valuable projects.

***