President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated the country’s most promising young leaders during The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2025 Awarding Ceremony held at Malacañan Palace on Thursday. In a message emphasizing the power of youth, the President urged the awardees to continue steering the nation toward a future defined by compassion and excellence.
The President’s message, delivered by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, highlighted the storied 66-year history of the TOYM Awards. Since 1959, the program has served as a testament to the fact that age is no barrier to national service and professional mastery.
The theme for this year’s awards, “Excellence in Action, Building a Better Tomorrow,” served as the focal point of the President’s address. President Marcos Jr. remarked that the awardees embody the “courage, conviction, and excellence” required to create a lasting impact on the lives of fellow Filipinos.
“For more than six decades, the TOYM has recognized young Filipinos who choose to uplift communities and shape our country’s future,” President Marcos stated. “Excellence must be present in every endeavor to improve the lives of our people.”
The President gave special recognition to four trailblazers whose work spans human rights, environmental sustainability, mental health, and marine science:
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Atty. Raymond Marvic Baguilat: Recognized for his legal advocacy in defending indigenous peoples and integrating their rights into the Philippine legal and educational systems.
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Mr. Rafael Ignacio Dionisio: Commended for his innovative reforestation efforts and for building sustainable livelihoods within Aeta communities in Zambales.
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Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta: Honored for pioneering research at the intersection of climate change and mental health, focusing on the psychological impact of environmental loss in the Global South.
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Dr. Deo Florence Onda: A distinguished oceanographer and the first Filipino to reach the Emden Deep. He was lauded for leading scientific expeditions in the West Philippine Sea and advancing research on marine plastic pollution.
President Marcos Jr. expressed his deep confidence in the next generation, noting that the work of these individuals ensures the Philippines is “in good hands.” He extended his gratitude to Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines and the TOYM Foundation for maintaining a tradition that challenges the youth to strive for greatness.
In his closing remarks, the President encouraged all young Filipinos to look to the awardees as benchmarks for success.
“May we never lose sight of the reason why we do this work, why we serve, and why we wake up each day,” the President concluded, “and that is to build a better tomorrow for all.”
