COCA-COLA FOUNDATION JOINS TAYO AWARDS 2006

The search is on for the 2006 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards spearheaded by the Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and the National Youth Commission. TAYO, now on its 4 th year, is the country's foremost award for youth organizations.

The program was launched on October 3, 2005 at Café Karabana in Timog, Quezon City attended by Sen. Pangilinan, NYC officials and staff, program sponsors, past TAYO winners, and various youth organizations. The TAYO theme song was performed by Nyoy Volante during the launch.

Another launch was staged on October 20, 2005 at the SM Entertainment Center in Davao City where over 200 students and other partners participated.

An important milestone in TAYO 4 is the entry of Coke Barkada of the Coca-Cola Foundation, Inc. as one of the co-presentors for the Search in addition to Mirant Philippines, Inc. Other sponsors of the program include the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Caltex Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Council for Young Political Leaders (PCYPL).

Coke Barkada will be signing a memorandum of agreement with TAYO Foundation, Inc. on November 30, 2005. The group pledges to take charge of promoting the program through production of posters, newspapers ads, radio plugs, and TV promotions.

Ten winners are awarded every year, each receiving a 50,000-peso grant and specially handcrafted trophy by artist Toym de Leon Imao.

Entry forms are already available at the NYC central and area offices. Soon, these forms will be available at all Coca-Cola plants nationwide. Deadline of submission of entries is on February 14, 2005.