MANILA -- The Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations or TAYO Awards Foundation is once again launching the search for accomplished and proactive youth groups in the Philippines. The application period will run from September 27 to October 30 and is open to all interested youth organizations.

This year, TAYO’s theme is anchored on ‘Siklab’ which refers to the undying flare among youth groups to make a difference, inspire hope and unity, and positively influence future generations.

According to TAYO Executive Director Rhyn Esolana, the NGO’s 20th Search will call for a big celebration of all organizations and youth groups that TAYO was able to meet, work with, and support since its inception.

“2022 marks TAYO’s second decade in recognizing the efforts of the youth towards nation-building. This big milestone will solidify our continuous commitment to the next generations of youth organizations striving to make a positive impact in their communities,” Esolana said.

TAYO Awards is open to formal and non-formal youth organizations nationwide consisting of at least five members, with the majority of its members under 30 years old who have projects from January 2021 to September 2022. Application is free and organizations can submit multiple entries so long as they are of different projects or programs.

The search is divided into 5 different categories namely: 1) Culture, Arts, and Heritage; 2) Education and Technology; 3) Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaptation; 4) Health, Well-Being, and Human Development; and finally, 5) Livelihood and Entrepreneurship. Selection criteria are based on Project Impact, Volunteerism and Citizenship, Creativity and Innovation, and Sustainability.

Despite turning 20 years old, Esolana says that Filipino youth groups have always been on top of the game in terms of project innovation and creativity.

“The Search has been running for 20 years, so you might think that the youth would have run out of ideas by now, but that has not been the case. Every year, we continue to be in awe of how these young people change their communities in groundbreaking ways. We hope to award organizations that have blazed trails, ignited programs, and sparked inspiration wherever that may be in the Philippines, “ he shared.

The Top 10 winners and 10 finalists will receive the TAYO Trophy by Toym Imao as well as P50,000 and P20,000 seed grants, respectively, to help fund their ongoing projects or start new ones.

Back in 2020, the Foundation launched TAYO 18: Bayanihan run, a special digital edition of its annual awards, particularly recognizing youth groups whose programs and projects have responded to the pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine at the same time.

In 2021, on the other hand, the Foundation initiated TAYO 19 which was anchored on the theme ‘Ahon’ focusing on the transition from a pandemic world to a new normal.

TAYO Awards is the Philippines’ premiere award-giving body that recognizes and supports the excellent contributions of youth organizations in the country. It is co-presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. and San Miguel Corporation. Since 2022, it is the biggest platform to showcase young Filipinos’ dynamism and contribution to community development.

Interested youth orgs may visit www.tayoawards.net to apply. (TAYO)