TAYO ang mga Bagong Bayani! How the TAYO 21 awardees are making waves and driving community impact as the heroes of today

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In an era where lasting change may often feel like a faraway dream, the anthem of Taylor Swift’s "Only the Young" rings with a powerful and urgent truth. 

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"They aren't gonna change this

We gotta do it ourselves

They think that it's over

But it's just begun

Only one thing can save us—Only the young (only the young)"

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The song captures a generational call to action that echoes through the lives of youth groups—youth groups that are rising to the occasion and proving that after all this time, they have been the harbingers of transformation all along.

In a remarkable testament to the power of youth-led initiatives, the TAYO Awards Foundation recognized and awarded the ten most accomplished youth organizations in the areas of Culture, Arts, and Heritage; Education and Technology; Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaptation; Health, Wellbeing, and Human Development; as well as Livelihood and Entrepreneurship during its 21st National Awarding Ceremony held on August 19, Monday, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila.

Under the theme “Makabayani,” a blend of the words makabayan (love for one’s country) and bayani (hero), this year’s awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of young leaders and their positive contributions to nation building.

“Ang pagsagot sa hamon para maging isang Makabayani ay nangangailangan ng malalim at totoong paniniwala at pagmamahal sa Pilipino, the Filipino is worth uniting for,” said former senator Bam Aquino during his keynote message.

TAYO 21 Awardees as Modern Day Heroes

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Finalists posing with their trophies

For more than two decades, the TAYO Awards Foundation has recognized and honored exceptional youth organizations that embody the spirit of service and patriotism. This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of modern heroism and showcases how these youth organizations are not only driven by a love for their country, but are also actively transforming their communities with their passion projects and initiatives.

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Top 10 Awardees are as follows:

● Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests

● Second Chance Philippines

● Achieve Minarog Youth Organization

● MSU - Iligan Institute of Technology Youth Chain of Peace

● Sidha - San Jose City

● Therawee Health Innovation Inc.

● ADHIKA PH Inc.

● Project Barako

● Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc.

● Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc.

The Top 10 awardees and 10 finalists received a TAYO trophy by national artist, Toym Imao, as well as Php 50,000 and Php 20,000 seed grants, respectively, to help fund their ongoing projects or start new ones.

This year’s TAYO Awards Top 10 Awardees

Special Awards

Apart from the prizes received by the Top 10 accomplished youth orgs, the TAYO Foundation also gave special awards to select groups. These special awards were chosen by their partners and were given to organizations that will further their individual missions as institutions, corporate organizations, or public offices.

The Coke Barkada Award is a special recognition given to the TAYO Finalist that helps improve the well-being of communities and environment through projects that are aligned with The Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability priorities. This was awarded to Salumayag Youth Collective.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) President Cecile Alcantara emphasizes the role of youth in national development. CCFPI has been a co-presenter of TAYO Foundation since the 5th TAYO Awards.

Meanwhile, the San Miguel’s Better World Award is given to the organization that believes in the healing power of collaboration within communities. Therawee Health Innovation, Inc. took home this award for their work in the health industry.

The third special award—The Hello, Pagkain Award—is sponsored by TAYO Founder, Kiko Pangilinan. It is a special recognition given to a youth organization that trains young people with agricultural practices and technologies that will help them become food & financially secure. This was given to the Kagay-anon Youth Network Alliance.

The fourth special award is the Bida Kabataan Award sponsored by former Senator and TAYO Co-Founder Bam Aquino. This award is given to organizations that have rightfully showcased the bravery and intelligence of the youth. The awardees are Second Chance Philippines and Iloilo National High School Boy Scouts of the Philippines Outfit 154.

Another special award is the Georgina P. Nava Leadership Award. Nava was a beloved TAYO pioneer who dedicated her whole life in service of the Filipino youth. This award was given to Sidha.

The last special award is the Youthled Democracy Award, sponsored by The Asia Foundation and USAID through the Youth Leadership for Democracy or YouthLed. This was awarded to Model Sangguniang Kabataan Network.

Across the nation, young leaders are stepping into roles that redefine what it means to be a hero. Rather than standing by and hoping for change to come their way, they are actively creating it. From grassroots campaigns to innovative programs and social movements, these youth organizations are leading the charge with a passion and dedication that speaks to the heart of our modern-day challenges.

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About TAYO

TAYO Awards Foundation is the Philippines' premiere award giving body. For 21 years, it has recognized and awarded youth groups that have been instrumental in nation-building, with the goal to inspire other young people to also take part in creating meaningful impact. TAYO was founded by former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan alongside Atty. Mabel Mamba. The Search for TAYO Awards is co-presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and San Miguel Corporation, supported by Far Eastern University, Phinma Corporation, Tayo Spaces, Ayala Museum, Team Kiko and Team Bam.

Improving productivity and empowering farmers: Coca-Cola Foundation and PHILSURIN Solidify Partnership for Sustainable Production

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Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation (PHILSURIN) entered into an agreement to help boost the productivity of small sugarcane farms and increase the income of sugarcane farmers in Negros. 

The partnership will support the research and development of high yielding varieties and disease-free planting materials, and the establishment of a breeding facility to sustain the development of these HYVs for distribution to farmers.

Since 2018, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, the social investment arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines, has been partnering with PHILSURIN, a non-profit organization that aims to promote the development of the sugar industry by conducting research and development activities to improve the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of small sugarcane farms. The grant provided by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines in 2018 for its Adopt-a-Seed Project upgraded PHILSURIN’s DNA research equipment for Variety Fingerprinting and faster disease diagnosis which then led to the production and distribution of disease-free and pure planting materials that can be harvested early and resulted to 50%-60% increase in the production of small sugarcane farms and consequently, the income of recipient farmers.

The new agreement aims to establish a 10-hectare seed farm for PHILSURIN varieties; as well as hybridization and ripening sheds, both of which will augment the production of more high-quality seed canes and allow access for small farmers to avail of clean and pure planting materials. Due to climate change and increased land conversion to commercial areas, sugarcane farmlands have been decreasing in size, so high-yielding seed canes would be critical to increase and sustain the productivity of existing ones.

“A good crop starts from a good seed. At PHILSURIN, we believe that even if there is less land to plant sugarcane compared to previous years, as long as we can increase their productivity through high-quality seed canes and proper training on good farming practices, then we can help assure the continuing livelihood of our sugarcane farmers and support local sugar production which is important for our local economy and consumers in general,” said Maria Regina B. Martin, Director General of PHILSURIN “That is why I am grateful to partners like the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines for their support to this Project and for our enduring partnership that would make a significant impact on the lives of our farmers and their families and our local economy in Negros.”

The two provinces of Negros are major producers of sugar in the Philippines but small sugarcane farmers in these areas are considered the most vulnerable stakeholders in the local sugar industry as they continue to face challenges in terms of resources, market, and technology. Partnerships and linkages that support the development of local sugar sector are critical to promoting the welfare of this vulnerable group.

“Coca-Cola is committed to partnering with PHILSURIN for the benefit of sugarcane farmers and their communities, consistent with our purpose of refreshing the world and making a difference for the communities we serve,” said Antonio del Rosario, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Chairman. “Like PHILSURIN, we believe in the important work of increasing productivity of small sugarcane farms through advanced research and technologies and of improving the welfare of farmers and their families.”

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines also has programs and initiatives in Western Visayas that support the conservation of critical watersheds, water for agriculture, water access for sanitation and health, and sustainable waste management solutions for communities.

Coca-Cola PH, Save Philippine Seas help expand community-based waste solution programs through Reimagine Recycling Year 4

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Five community-based programs that offer circular economy solutions have each received up to Php 500,000 in grant funding from the Reimagine Recycling initiative of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, with special participation from Tetra Pak Philippines.

Reimagine Recycling is a program that aims to help non-government groups with emerging circular economy solutions that address issues in solid waste management and help improve the welfare of the informal waste sector. The program will help expand these projects through capacity-building workshops on stakeholder management, communications and business models, mentoring, and financial grant funding.

Now in its fourth year, it sought program proposals to support and fund through Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines’ social investment arm. Since the call for applications was opened in June 2022, 10 were shortlisted to present their waste solutions and receive training and tools that will equip them in growing their initiatives.

Out of the 10 shortlisted initiatives, Alon and Araw, Barrio Studios, #RefillNotLandfill, Sagip Kalikasan and KAKASIE Eco-Park were awarded grants and will continue their work this time with more project funding, not just on collection and recycling but also in educating communities on proper waste segregation and management.

“We at Coca-Cola believe in the power of partnerships to help address waste pollution and help establish a circular economy in the Philippines. This is why we continue to be supportive of collaborations like Reimagine Recycling that empower innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that create impact in the communities they serve,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “By partnering with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak Philippines, we can help support entrepreneurs to scale up their existing programs that promote a circular economy, while also strengthening our efforts to achieve our goal of a World Without Waste.”

Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak, named the winners of this year’s Reimagine Recycling program at the World Without Waste Year 4 Progress Report event on October 14, 2022, awarding them with total grant funding of up to Php 500,000 each. 

Joining the awardees on stage are (from leftmost inward) Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific; (from rightmost inward) Cecile Alcantara, President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.; and Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

With additional funding from Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, winners of Reimagine Recycling Year 4 can now focus on expanding and building a stronger foundation for its initiatives:

Alon and Araw provides opportunities for underprivileged children of coastal communities through sports, which enable them to foster love for the environment and aspire for a future with a better quality of life. Alon and Araw regularly conducts coastal cleanups as well as sports, education, and personal development workshops that reinforce important values and encourage responsibility within the family, society, and the environment;

Barrio Studios is a textile and manufacturing hub by TenTwenty Kids that helps businesses manage their pre-consumer textile waste through the collection, segregation, and transformation of reclaimed fabrics into higher-value goods;

#RefillNotLandfill is an advocacy of Suds Sustainable Pods, the country’s first pod brand that offers personal hygiene and household cleaning products packaged in water-soluble film that is biodegradable, non-toxic, and waste-free, offering a sustainable solution to sanitation. Suds was created to help reduce plastic waste and carbon footprint while providing a sustainable alternative that effectively cleans;

Sagip Kalikasan aims to prevent the leakage of plastics into the ocean through environmental education, waste segregation, and collection in the municipalities of Naic, Marogondon and General Trias, Cavite. And lastly;

Kasambuhan A’a Kauman Association for Sustainability, Innovation and Empowerment (KAKASIE) seeks to help address issues on improper waste disposal in Sapa-sapa, Tawi-Tawi by conducting regular training on recycling and upcycling. The community-based organization also aims to build an environmentally-friendly park.

“It is truly inspiring to work closely with entrepreneurs and advocates on programs that help tackle waste pollution—from plastic waste collection, managing textile waste, to educational training. We are excited to support this year’s Reimagineers and see their initiatives grow through the resources and mentorship provided by the program,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Smart Recycle PH was also awarded the Tetra Pak Special Award with grant funding for helping bridge ordinary citizens, business organizations, and verified collection partners, especially for the benefit of local junk shop owners.

"We congratulate Smart Recycle PH for the milestone they have achieved. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support high-potential community-based programs that not only advance grassroots innovation and circularity, but also share our commitment to protecting what’s good through multilateral collaborations,” said Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia. “Together with our partners, we hope to continue empowering the next generation to make a positive impact in building a future without waste.”

“Consistent with our mission to help uplift the lives of the communities that we serve, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines will continue to support innovations that will empower communities and inspire Filipinos to initiate their own waste solution programs, as this year’s Reimagineers have,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. “This year’s winners have proven that there are individuals and organizations who are eager to step up and create an impact in their own ways, and we in the Coca-Cola Foundation always welcome such efforts,” she adds.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company, through its World Without Waste vision, announced its global ambition to support a circular economy to help eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource. In addition to the Reimagine Recycling program, Coca-Cola Philippines is accelerating more waste management solutions aligned with its World Without Waste goals. The company has this year opened PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the country. PETValue is a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions. Coca-Cola also continues to find and deploy sustainable, effective solutions to help address the waste issue with the support of partners and communities.

For more information about Reimagine Recycling, please visit https://www.savephilippineseas.org/.

You may also read more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ World Without Waste initiatives at https://www.coca-cola.com.ph/news/our-world-without-waste-progress.