DepEd lauds 2021 TOYM awardees

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has congratulated the awardees of the recent The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for 2021 and hailed the three mentors among the awardees.

“The department is pleased with the outcome of TOYM, with the awardees being truly outstanding young individuals among the hundreds of nominees,” the DepEd said in a statement yesterday.

“We are proud that from the 10 TOYM awardees, three of them, namely Lou Sabrina Ongkiko, Eleazar Abraham Orobia and Jayeel Cornelio are from the teaching community. Four female awardees also broke through the gender barrier,” it added.

Ongkiko is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University who has pursued a career in teaching science at the Culiat Elementary School in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Orobia, on the other hand, is a noted artist as well as educator, being a lecturer at the College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts. He is also head facilitator of Art Workshops for Indigenous People Education teachers.

Cornelio, for his part, is an associate professor and director of the Development Studies program at the Ateneo de Manila University.

The TOYM Awards was spearheaded by the Junior Chamber International Philippines.

“DepEd is also elated that the annual search has expanded its recognition to emerging professional tracks and put premium on the research endeavors of the nominees. The awardees have provided deep understanding of their work and even responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” it noted.

“We hope that the TOYM awardees will inspire more young professionals and learners to continue pursuing their passion to serve their communities and the nation,” the department said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones served as one of the members of the TOYM Board of Judges.

Briones said this year’s batch of awardees showcased their passion and dedication to excel in their respective fields.