Youth urged to join in nation-building

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino presented yesterday the awards for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) for 2012 as he called on the youth to join government efforts in nation building.

He reminded the awardees that knowledge and talent hold the key to solving the nation’s problems.

He said in his speech in Rizal Hall at Malacañang that there is more to the youth despite the common misconception that they would rather spend time on frivolous activities such as playing computer games, going to the mall and hanging out with their friends or “gimmicks.”

“But it’s also clear that the things of value – helping our fellowmen and those in need, being of service for the good of the nation – are ingrained in the heart of every Filipino,” he said in Filipino.

Aquino also expressed gratitude for the increase in numbers among the participants, as relayed to him by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, which is proof that the TAYO group organized by his cousin Bam Aquino IV is inspiring others.

“Those who came before inspired you, and your batch will inspire the following batches until the number of those helping our fellowmen multiplies,” he told the awardees.

The awarding ceremonies were organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation headed by its current president Bam Aquino, who is among the 12 senatorial candidates of the Liberal Party-led coalition in the May 2013 midterm elections.

Pangilinan’s office and the National Youth Commission (NYC) also assisted in the project.

The TAYO Awards is an annual search and recognition program for outstanding groups of young Filipinos that contribute to the development of the country through humanitarian projects in their respective schools and communities.

It is a project of the TAYO Awards Foundation and spearheaded by the NYC in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.