“The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM)” award, formerly known as the “The Outstanding Young Filipinos (TOYF)” from 1996 to 1999, is an annual national recognition awarded to Filipinos between 18 and 40 years of age who have made significant contributions to their field or community. The award is organized yearly by JCI Philippines with the support of the TOYM Foundation, as well as other partners and stakeholders.
The TOYM was established on October 15, 1959, during the 11th JCI Philippines National Convention held in Baguio City, adopting the award instituted months earlier by JCI Manila. This recognition program however traces its origins to the Ten Outstanding Young Persons program developed by JCI USA in 1930. In 1984, JCI Philippines started giving women the recognition. From 1996 to 1999, the recognition was known as “The Outstanding Young Filipinos” (TOYF) award. The name was reverted to “The Outstanding Young Men” but women remained eligible for the award with the JCI contending that the word “men” does not “distinguish the difference in gender”.
Over the years, the TOYM has become an institution, having developed a reputation for its selectiveness of outstanding young men and women, whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of their countrymen, as well as to the advancement of their fields of endeavor.
By recognizing outstanding young Filipinos, the TOYM hopes to highlight inspiring examples that will motivate the younger generations to attain greater heights of personal achievement and professional accomplishment, in the spirit of selfless service to humanity.
Alfonso Tomas P. Araullo
for Broadcast Journalism
Awarded 2019
Literature, Culture, and the Arts
Araullo