10 advocates of change lauded

MANILA, Philippines - United by a common vision to achieve a positive impact on local communities, various Filipino youth groups participated in a nationwide campaign advocating nation-building.

At the culmination of the 14th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards held last week at Diamond Hotel in Manila, 10 youth organizations with noteworthy advocacies were recognized for their innovative approach to addressing the country’s social problems.

The projects of the 10 organizations stood out among 443 entries submitted across the Philippines for embodying the youth’s desire in making a difference in their own communities.

This year’s winners are the Food Rescue ASEAN, Modern Nanays of Mindanao, Team Dugong Bughaw, UP Industrial Engineering Club, Go2Virtualahan, Inc., HiGi Energy, Guiguinto Scholars’ Association, Ingat Kapandayan Artist Center, Voice of Cameleon’s Children, and Youth for a Livable Cebu.

The Voice of Cameleon’s Children is a non-government organization advocating children’s rights. The group educates the youth about their rights via workshops and theater.

In 2012, a group of young entrepreneurs established the Youth for a Liveable Cebu, which aims to make their city a better and more livable place to live in.

The UP Industrial Engineering Club from UP Diliman created IEAid, a project which aims to provide assistance to social enterprises to achieve more efficient and effective operations.

The Modern Nanay of Mindanao is a group of mothers that advocates the importance of breastfeeding, babywearing, and cloth-diapering.

The Food Rescue ASEAN helps resolve hunger problem and food wastage by redistributing rescued perishable food ‘waste’ to charities that cater to the poor and homeless. 

The Ingat Kapandayan Artist Center of the Notre Dame of Jolo College Sulu is a school-based organization that aims to promote and preserve the Suluans’ cultural heritage by showcasing their talents through performances.

The HiGi Energy’s Hyacinth for Green Energy project seeks to resolve the hyacinth problem across the country by turning it into an economic opportunity.

Team Duong Bughaw’s mission through Project High Five is to develop the Ilonggos’ awareness of the HIV menace.

A social enterprise hailing from Davao City, the GO2Virtualahan Inc. assists individuals in transitioning into home-based professionals by undergoing a series of training and provide employment assistance. 

Believing in the enrichment of today’s generation by promoting history and culture, the Guiguinto Scholars’ Association of Guiguinto, Bulacan conducts various activities such as shadow play, lights and sounds museum, and field trip caravans.

The youth groups based their projects on five core themes: education and technology; health, nutrition, and well-being; environment, risk reduction and climate change adaptation; livelihood and entrepreneurship; and culture, the arts, peace and human development.

TAYO is the sole award-giving body that provides recognition and rewards to various youth organizations across the country for their commendable contributions.