Senate honors 2021 TOYM awardees

The Senate of the Philippines on Monday passed a resolution congratulating and commending the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) 2021 Awardees for their significant contributions to society.

During the Monday's plenary session, the senators adopted proposed Senate Resolution No. 77, taking into consideration PSR 91, filed by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Sonny Angara, respectively.

In sponsoring the resolution, Gatchalian, who was a 2011 TOYM awardee himself, said receiving this award during these trying times "carries a deeper meaning and significance."

"For many of us, the pandemic was the darkest time we faced in our lifetime. At the same time, it brought out the best of what our fellow Filipinos could be. The 2021 TOYM awardees were among those who shined the brightest to serve as beacons of hope to our country," he said.

"Mr. President, this year’s TOYM awardees, just like their predecessors, show us the best of what Filipinos can be. Sa paggawad natin sa kanila ng parangal, binibigyan din natin ng pagkilala ang mga natatanging katangian ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang kanilang husay at tatag na nag-angat sa ating mga kababayan sa gitna ng krisis," Gatchalian added.

(In honoring them, we are also recognizing the distinct traits of the Filipino people, especially the excellence and strength that have carried our compatriots amid crises.)

Angara also expressed his commendations to the awardees for "[exuding] nothing less than utmost excellence, even in their youth."

"Theirs are among the many reminders that there is no age requirement to achieving great things. Hopefully through their example, they may bring hope, especially amid the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis and inspire others to follow in their footsteps," the lawmaker said.

In April, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines honored 10 exceptional young Filipinos who not only achieved professional excellence in their chosen fields, but also tirelessly worked toward inspiring meaningful positive change in society.

Among the awardees was GMA Network's Senior Assistant Vice President for News and Public Affairs Digital Media Jaemark Tordecilla, who is also concurrently editor-in-chief of GMA News Online.

Tordecilla was named the 2021 TOYM for Digital Journalism.

Aside from Tordecilla, the other TOYM Awardees for 2021 were Ariestelo Asilo for Social Entrepreneurship; Iloisa Romaraog-Diga for Agricultural Entrepreneurship; Eleazar Abraham “Abe” Orobia for Education and Culture; Anna Oposa for Environmental Marine Conservation; Jayeel Cornelio for Education: Sociology; Maria Yzabell Angel Palma for Science and Technology; Jaime Alfonso Aherrera for Medicine: Cardiology; Lou Sabrina Ongkiko for Education and the Academe; and Melvin Sanicas for Medicine. — BM, GMA News