The country’s TEN ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS, or TAYO, was finally revealed on 11 April 2003, at the awarding ceremonies in Malacanang, with no less than Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor.

A prominent and distinguished panel of judges headed by National Youth Commission chairperson Bam Aquino interviewed the representatives of the twenty (20) finalists from all over the country.

The other members of the panel of judges for the 1st TAYO Search are Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, McCann-Erickson’s Ms. Emily Abrera, NYC Commissioner Araceli S. Aves, Mr. Roberto Calingo of Mirant, Ms. Celine R. Madamba of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, TV personality Ms. Bernadette Sembrano, Ms. Estela Dela Paz of First Gas Power Corporation, Ms. Marian Catedral of Caltex Philippines, columnists Rina Jimenez-David and Jarius Bondoc, and Department of Education Undersecretary Jose Luis Gascon.

The organizations were judged on the basis of a recent program of project that has had an impact on the community. Judges looked into indicators of social mobilization, innovation, creativity, and the possibility of having the project replicated in other communities.

Acting as emcees during the awarding ceremony are Jolina Magdangal and Dingdong Dantes, who are both NYC’s Celebrity Youth Advocates. In honor of the outstanding achievements of the youth which are recognized through TAYO, popular band Rivermaya rendered a specially-arranged acoustic version of their song, “Awit Ng Kabataan” during the event.

The winners of the first TAYO search are:
· Ateneo Debate Society (Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City)
· BPI-Save Mother Earth Club (Cagayan de Oro City)
· Hundred Islands Cycling Club (Alaminos, Pangasinan)
· Kabataang Gabay sa Positibong Pamumuhay (Iloilo City)
· Kapansanan ay Akibat sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan – KAAKBAY (Davao City)
· MyZoo Volunteer Group Foundation (Makati City)
· Rodeo Club of the Philippines – Benguet State University Chapter (La Trinidad, Baguio)
· Rotaract of Muntinlupa – Peacemaker Youth Club (Muntinlupa City)
· Students’ Action Vital to the Environment and Mother Earth Movement – SAVE ME (San Mateo, Rizal)
· UP Industrial Engineering Club (Diliman, Quezon City)

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