SENATOR KIKO PANGILINAN SPEARHEADS YOUTH "REVOLT":
TAYO AWARDS ON ITS NINTH YEAR OF RECOGNIZING
YOUTH CONTRIBUTION TO NATION-BUILDING

Delivering the welcome remarks at the awarding ceremonies of the 9th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) at the Heroes' Hall in Malacanang, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan thanked the Filipino youth organizations for serving as "beacons of hope in these dark times" and "effecting genuine change in our communities."

"Change is never easy, but here in TAYO we have seen that change is possible, because some of us dared and continue to dare to re-imagine a different future for ourselves and our communities," Pangilinan says.

He continues, "You are our inspiration and your advocacies renew our commitment to serving our people. Because of the youth, change is possible--and it will happen within our lifetime."

This year's crop of TAYO winners have come from all parts of the Philippines and represent a wide range of advocacies. In its nine years of searching for the most accomplished youth organizations, 180 have been chosen as winners and finalists, with hundreds more vying for the top spots each year.

Himself a former youth activist, Senator Pangilinan conceived the annual TAYO search together with the National Youth Commission in 2002. It has since enjoined the public and private sectors to support the program and is now known as the country's only award-giving body that recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth in nation-building. This year's awards are supported by Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation, SM Cares, Lenovo, Cebu Pacific Air, PAGCOR, Jollibee, and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

Pangilinan says in parting that the advocacies of the youth organizations that join TAYO each year are testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the country's youth sector.

"Naniniwala ako na sa sama-sama nating pagtahak ng landas ng tunay at ganap na pagbabago, itaga ninyo sa bato, makakamtan natin ang katiwasayan at kapayapaan sa lalong madaling panahon."