ShareThisMANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III HA Sexpressed optimism that his administration will be able to attain its goal of progress and development for the country at the end of his term.
In his message at the awarding ceremonies for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Malacañang Monday morning, President Aquino expressed confidence of achieving reforms at a faster pace as he enjoined the awardees to continue sharing their strengths and expertise in nation building.
“We would like to be able, at the end of our term… when we step down, to hold our heads up high and say when we look back that definitely we left something a lot better than what we found”, the President said.
“With all of your help and guidance…with your continued aspirations and strength that you share with us, undoubtedly we will reach it and hopefully at a faster clip than what we have managed to do these past six months”, he added.
The Chief Executive noted the awardees’ exemplary deeds which made a difference in uplifting other people’s lives.
This year’s TOYM Awards was anchored on the theme “Heroes Create Heroes”, inspired by the noble deeds of the late former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., father of President Aquino, who himself was conferred the TOYM Award for Public Service 50 years ago.
Ninoy’s heroism and love for country has inspired countless Filipinos to be heroes as well. This highlights the importance of role models, heroes in serving as inspiration for the younger generation to emulate.
The TOYM Awards recognizes outstanding individuals who, not only excel in their profession, but also in making a difference in the lives of the people in their community or to the country, as a whole.
The awards also aim to inspire many more young people, between the ages of 18 to 40, to become heroes for the Filipino youth.
This year’s TOYM Awardees are: Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara for Government Service (Legislative); Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV for Social Enterprise and Community Development, Therese “Gang” Badoy, Alternative Education and Youth Leadership; Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Government and Public Service (Public Accountability and Transparency), Maria Rochelle R. Gerodias for Arts and Music (Classical); Harvey S. Keh, Public Education and Good Governance; Efren G. Peñaflorida, Jr., Grassroots Education and Community Service; Edsel Maurice T. Salvana, Medicine and Social Activism; Beatrice “Bea” P. Valdes for Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship, and Jun S. Yupitin, Entrepreneurship in Pioneer Industries.
For more than half a century, the TOYM has become an institution, having honored countless young leaders who have accomplished considerable, tangible results in the pursuit of excellence. The award per se has become a veritable representation of what is best in man, celebrated through his indomitable spirit of service to others.