The 20th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards was held at the Far Eastern University Auditorium last March 11 with the theme “Siklab.” The TAYO Awards Foundation aspires to support the undying flare of every youth organization to make lasting change and to be a source of hope and unity for future generations.
Since the search for national finalists launched in September 2022, a total of 491 hopeful organizations submitted their project entries under these five categories: Culture, Arts, and Heritage; Education and Technology; Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; Health, Well-Being and Human Development; and Livelihood and Entrepreneurship.
After 67 validation interview qualifiers and 41 experts screening qualifiers, 20 outstanding youth groups from across the Philippines (Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao) were honored for their dedication to making a difference in their communities through innovative projects and initiatives. The ten national awardees received a P50,000 cash grant, while the remaining ten national finalists received P20,000 from the Office of Senator Sonny Angara.
The following youth groups earned a spot in the 20th TAYO awards after a week-long program of media rounds, institutional visits, capacity-building activities, and other sponsored tasks:
1. Albay Young Farmers Organization
By introducing Edible Landscaping, a new approach of organic farming, this youth organization from Albay, Bicol encourages the youth to get involved in farming technology.
2. Open Arms Organization
This SEC-registered, non-profit youth organization was founded by a group of friends from Batangas City to provide accessible social programs and rehabilitation services to help people in the margins through their Embrace A Child Program.
3. Pinabuhay Sa Tao Ang Kwento At Sining (PINATAKASI)
To empower and support homegrown artists on Alabat Island in Quezon Province, this youth-led non-profit organization established their own Buwan ng Sining or Arts Month.
4. Project Teatro Para sa Aktibong Layunin at Adhikain (TALA) Organization
This group of young volunteers uses theater as an artistic medium to educate their community in Santiago City, Isabela about the narratives of individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
5. Leader’s Council (Sacred Heart of School – Ateneo de Cebu Scouting Unit)
Based in Mandaue City, Cebu, this scouting officers organization implements their Love to Learn: Learn to Earn project to help the holistic reformation and development of children in conflict with the law.
6. Youth Empowering Youth Initiative, Inc.
Sagup Negros, a social enterprise run by this youth-led organization in Negros Occidental, strives to be an example for carinderias and market vendors by minimizing food waste generation and teaching responsible consumption.
7. Iligan Safe Space
With the goal of embracing LGBTQIA+ members of diverse cultures and backgrounds, this youth organization started a Safe Space Session Project in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.
8. Shafaat Agriculture Cooperative – Mushroom for Change
This youth organization from Ditsa-an, Lanao del Sur, launched the Mushroom for Change social enterprise project to provide farmers with an alternative source of income while protecting the environment and their health.
9. Sangguniang Kabataan ng Barangay Talomo River
As a free online enrichment program, their Project Descartes provides five pre-calculus subjects to the interested senior high school and freshmen college students of the City of Davao in Davao del Sur.
10. The BAKA
This group in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental runs a year-long project called the Agricultural Leadership Incubation Program for the Kagay-anon Youth. It covers topics like servant leadership, agro-fishery inputs, business planning, marketing, communications, and the showcasing of agricultural produce.
In addition to the announcement of national awardees, the foundation's partners and sponsors also presented special awards. First, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines' President Cecile Alcantara gave the "Coke Barkada Award" to the Youth Empowering Youth Initiative, Inc. They received a P30,000 cash grant to help them strengthen their projects aimed at reducing food waste.
On the other hand, the “San Miguel Better World Award” was given to the Albay Young Farmers Organization by the San Miguel Corporation’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs Kin Lichauco.
For the “GenTAYO: Boses ng Kabataan” champion, the Art Corner Philippines’ original composition titled “Gen TAYO!” got the audience pumped up. The message of this song is that the youth will keep playing a crucial role in bringing various societal issues to light.
The 20th TAYO Awards was co-presented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, and San Miguel Corporation; with the support of The Asia Foundation, Australian Aid, TeamBam, Team Kiko, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
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