(Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (seated, third from left) noted that six of the 11 awardes of the 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Men came from the fields of sciences. Others in photo are (L-R seated) Margie Morna-Floirendo, chairperson of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; Chaye Cabal-Revilla, treasurer of the TOYM Foundation, Inc., Sec. de la Peña; Bienvenido Tantoco III, president of the TOYM Foundation,Inc; Manny Pangilinan, chairperson of the TOYM Foundation, Inc; Rey Felix Rafols, national president of the Junior Chamber International Philippines, Crispin Dy, director of the TOYM Foundation; and Emmanual Bonoan, vice chair and COO of KPMG Consulting Philippines. Others in photo are (standing, L-R): Vincent Chot Reyes, president of the TV5 Network Inc; Alegria Linjoco, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Herman Basbano, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas; and TOYM awardees Kate Leyritana, Jamela Alindogan, Mark Anthony Sandoval, Erika Legara, Jaton Zulueta Jr., Cherrie Atilano, Fatima Lanuza, Rodne Galicha, and Karl Kendrick Chua, with Mark Joseph David, national chair of the TOYM search committee. Photo grabbed from the Facebook page of Cherrie Atilano)
Science is moving front and center in the country’s march toward progress and modernization, if the winners of the 2018 TOYM or Ten Outstanding Young Men Philippines are any indication.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, chair of the 2018 TOYM Board of Judges, made this observation on the occasion of the announcement of the awardees at Romulo Café in Makati City. He noted that of the 11 total winners, six are in the science fields or have backgrounds in those areas.
They are Ms. Cherrie Atilano in Agribusiness, DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua in Economic Development, Mr. Rodne Galicia in Environment and Climate Change, Ms Erika Fille Legara in Education Innovation, and Dr Katerina Leyritana and Dr. Mark Anthony Sandoval in the field of Medical Science.
Distinguished personalities such as Dr. Nassef Manabilang Adiong for Political and Social Services, Ms Jamela Alindogan for International Journalism, Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy, Police Officer 2 Fatima Lanuza, and Mr. Jaton Zulueta for Community Development complete the 2018 TOYM awardees.
“The 2018 awardes have all been carefully selected because of their leadership, motivation, achievements, and service despite their youth,” said Secretary de la Peña. “Yet it is equally important to note majority of them are in fields that are largely science-based, facts-driven, and fueled by research.”
He added this is a clear indication of the direction the Philippines is headed as far as driving change and progress is concerned.
The Outstanding Young Men and Women of the Philippines was launched in 1959 to honor the country’s men and women under the age of 40 who have made a difference in our society. Its past winners have since become champions and leaders especially in industry and public service.
