TOYM 2021 honors ‘everyday leaders’

TOYM 2021

Educators and health-care workers led the 10 honorees in the 2021 edition of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards, which put the spotlight on “everyday leaders” who stepped up during the second year of the pandemic.

Recognized in ceremonies held on Friday were Ariestelo Asilo (for social entrepreneurship), Iloisa Romaraog-Diga (agricultural entrepreneurship), Eleazar Orobia (education and culture), Anna Oposa (environment and marine conservation), Jayeel Cornelio (Ph.D. education and sociology), Maria Yzabell Palma (science and technology), Dr. Jaime Aherrera and Dr. Melvin Sanicas (medicine), Lou Sabrina Ongkiko (education), and Jaemark Tordecilla (digital journalism).

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines, which holds the awards annually, said the awardees lived up to the 2021 TOYM theme, “Everyday Leaders Enabling Extraordinary Impact,” which underscores the value of work beyond the call of duty.

“This year is a year like no other, that’s why we have chosen the theme … to remind us of the good. It might be difficult for us in a world faced by challenges, such as the pandemic. But this is what TOYM is all about … reaffirming our faith in the goodness of people,” JCI Philippines president Jude Acidre said.

‘Best time to be a Filipino’

For Cornelio, an associate professor and director of the development studies program at the Ateneo de Manila University, the recognition is not so much about the honorees but about future generations.

“This is the best time to be a Filipino ….That’s exactly what struck me the moment I learned about [my inclusion]. It’s not joy, not exuberance, but a sense of responsibility because our nation is at a crossroads politically, culturally, and socially. We all have to do something to make sure that our children benefit from the fruits of our labor,” Cornelio said.

Manicas, a scientist and doctor, said he had been working on vaccines and viruses even before the pandemic.

Reliable information

In 2014, he launched the Collaboration for Tuberculosis Vaccine Discovery, an international network of more than 80 institutions committed to the development of a TB vaccine.

Tordecilla, who heads the digital division of GMA News and Public Affairs, is the lone awardee from the media. He remembered how the pandemic made more Filipinos realize the need for reliable and trustworthy sources of information.“We felt that whenever there is fear or anxiety among Filipinos, the first thing they look for on social media is news that can be reliable …. I think for the past two years, that has been underscored not just to me.”

This year’s TOYM board of judges is headed by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

Members include Inquirer Group of Companies CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines secretary general Msgr. Bernard Pantin, and Leyte Rep. and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

TOYM 2021 is co-sponsored by PLDT Inc., Gerry Roxas Foundation, TOYM Foundation Inc., and consultancy firm KPMG Philippines.

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