Senate commends TOYM awardee apl.de.ap

The Senate today passed a resolution commending Black Eyed Peas singer Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda who has been an effective ambassador of music and the arts, as well as a paragon of professional success, social consciousness and nationalism.

Pineda was among the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees of the Philippines recognized by the Junior Chamber International-Philippines, Inc., the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc. and the TOYM Foundation, Inc.

"Because of his fame, good fortune and kind heart, Mr. Pineda has been an active ambassador and partner in the promotion of education in the Philippines, particularly among the children and underprivileged," Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, author of Senate Resolution No. 58, said.

According to the Resolution, "the recognition conferred to Mr. Pineda as one of the 2012 TOYM awardees was anchored not only on his achievements in the international music scene, but also on the establishment of the "apl.de.ap" Foundation, a socio-civic minded organization committed to improving the welfare of Filipino children, and the formation of Jeepney Music, Inc., a company organized to provide opportunities to emerging Filipino artists.

"Mr. Pineda has progressed his efforts to extend the opportunities of basic and higher education to a greater number of underprivileged but deserving youth in our country. Working with similarly-minded organizations like the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Development Foundation and the 57-55 Movement for Educational Reform, Mr. Pineda has committed to help close the classroom-student gap in the country thru the "Bayanihang Pampaaralan" initiative; establish a mentoring program; and put up an endowment fund for the benefit of deserving students," the Resolution further said. (YVONNE ALMIRAÑEZ)