GMA lauds RP's most outstanding youth clubs
April 11,2003

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the country’s Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) for their outstanding contribution to community building and development.

In ceremonies held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang this morning, the President, assisted by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, National Youth Council (NYC) chairman Paolo Benigno IV, and Senator Pangilinan, awarded trophies to representative of TAYO.

The search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations is a project of the NYC, Senator Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan, the Philippine Jaycees and the Mirant Philippines.

The project aims to recognize and reward youth groups for their goal-driven teamwork and accomplishments which are essential to building communities and a country.

The awardees:
1.Hundred Islands Cycling, from Alaminos, Pangasinan.
2.Rotaract Club – Peacemaker Youth, from Putatan, Muntinglupa;
3.Kapansanan at Akibat sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAAKBAY) from Davao City.
4.My Zoo Volunteer Group, from Makati City.
5.UP Industrial Engineering Club, from Diliman, Quezon City.
6.Kabataang Gabay sa Positibong Pamumuhay (PYAP), from Iloilo City.
7.Rodeo Club of the Philippines – Baguio State University in La Trinidad, Benguet.
8.BPI-Save Mother Earth Club in Cagayan de Oro City.
9.Ateneo de Manila Debate Society from Ateneo de Manila, Quezon City.
10.Students’ Actions Vital to the Environment and Mother Earth Movement (SAVE ME), from San Mateo, Rizal.

The TAYO awardees were chosen based on a recent project undertaken by the selected youth organizations that left a positive impact on its community.

A distinguished panel of screeners conducted the judging which was held last April 9 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The judges include Benigno Aquino IV, Senator Pangilinan, Emily Abrera of the McCann Erickson, columnists Rina David and Jarius Bondoc, Reginald Yu of the Philippine Jaycees, Roberto Calingo of Mirant Philippines, Celine Madamba of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, journalist Bernadette Sembrano, Education Undersecretary Jose Luis Gascon, NYC Commissioner Araceli Aves, Estela dela Paz of the First Gas Power, and Marian Catedral of Caltex Philippines.

The nationwide search was open to in-school, out-of-school, and working youth aged 15 to 30 yearrs.

Among the criteria are social mobilization or community engagement, innovativeness or introduction of new technology, impact on the community and potential for replication in other localities.