TOYM search to focus on dev't fields

Manila, Philippines - The leading proponent of the search for the country’s “The Outstanding Young Men” 2012 wants to focus this year’s awards to Filipinos who excel in fields that are vital to the country’s development.

TOYM Foundation chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the launch of the search last Friday that he wished to see in this year’s awards individuals who excel in fields such as those from the areas of science, technology and engineering.

“We feel that it is important for the country that such individuals are recognized and rewarded for their work. Their lives provide models for young men and women to emulate. In this way, we can help nurture the culture of excellence that we really need as a people,” Pangilinan stressed.

 He pointed out that many of the country’s fast-growing neighbors in Asia placed a premium on developing science and technology by investing heavily in centers of learning and organizing programs to attract young people to the scientific, engineering, and technical professions.

“It would be most gratifying if the TOYM can help in its own small way to correct this situation,” he explained.

 The Junior Chamber International Philippines (formerly Philippines Jaycees Inc.) launched last Friday the search for the next batch of TOYM awardees. Nominations would be accepted until Sept. 30.

Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co, said JCI Philippines (Jaycees) with the support of the TOYM Foundation and the Gerry Roxas Foundation has provided Filipinos with excellent role models of productive and selfless dedication to the country and countrymen.

Any individual or organization may nominate a candidate in any of the following fields: agriculture and aquaculture, arts, banking, law, community development, economics, education science and technology, government service, biochemistry, journalism, sports, political science, literature, medicine, science and technology, business, and other relevant fields such as history, labor administration, and cultural anthropology.

 The nominees should be Filipino citizens aged 18 to 40 years old. The 2012 TOYM Awardees would be announced in early December.

The main criteria for the awards are: service to the community and/or to the nation (40 points); professional excellence and integrity in their respective field of endeavor 40 points; and leadership, including moral rectitude, innovativeness and pioneering spirit (20 points).

This year’s search is presented by PLDT and Smart Communications.