The Department of Education (DepEd) commended the awardees of 2021 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) where three of the 10 winners were from the education community.
“The department is delighted with the results of the TOYM with the recipients being exceptional young people who will surely inspire our learners and the youth to excel in their respective fields,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.
Lou Sabrina S. Ongkiko, a public school teacher at Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City for 11 years, received the award for the Education/Academe for spearheading various learning continuity plans and blended learning initiatives.
Ongkiko was also named one of the outstanding women in the nation's service (TOWNS) for her dedication to educating children, empowering teachers, and contributing to reforms in the Philippine education system.
Jayeel S. Cornelio, Ph.D., on the other hand, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Development Studies Program at the Ateneo de Manila University received the citation for Education/Sociology.
At the same time, Eleazar Abraham ‘Abe’ L. Orobia received recognition for Education and Culture as the head facilitator of Arts Workshops for Indigenous People.
Other awardees were Ariestelo A. Asilo (Social Entrepreneurship), Iloisa Romaraog-Diga (Agricultural Entrepreneurship), Anna R. Oposa (Environment, Marine Conservation), and Maria Yzabell Angel V. Palma (Science and Technology).
Jaime Alfonso M. Aherrera (Medicine, Cardiology), Jaemark S. Tordecilla (Digital Journalism), and Melvin J. Sanicas (Medicine) rounded up the TOYM recipients for this year.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Youth Affairs and Special Concerns Juan Valerio Respicio IV highlighted that search’s expansion to acknowledge people who excelled during the health crisis.
Respicio said the DepEd is pleased that the annual search has widened its recognition to emerging professional tracks and emphasized the nominees' research initiatives.
“The grantees have demonstrated a thorough comprehension of their work and have even responded to the Covid-19 pandemic's obstacles,” he added.