To recognize the efforts of the youth in creating positive change in Philippine society, Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance, through its AG Awards, honored 11 Most Outstanding Youth Social Enterprises in a simple ceremony in Las Pinas City.
“This is our way of supporting empowerment of our young people with the hope of further encouraging them and also inspiring others to significantly contribute to our goals as a nation,” Senator Cynthia Villar said.
Now on its third year, the Villar SIPAG Awards, is a friendly competition among Filipino youths whose social enterprises contribute in alleviating poverty in their respective communities.
Candidates for the awards are groups composed of college or students taking up masteral studies; out-of-school youth, young professionals, social enterprise groups, young entrepreneurs, youth organizations and other community organizations.
After going through an evaluation, comprehensive screenings and rational project defense, the finalists were selected according to originality and uniqueness of service or product; adaptability, sustainability and community upliftment.
Each awardee received a cash prize of P150,000 to help their projects and initiatives on poverty alleviation.
This year’s award recipients are: 1. The Cultivators 4H Ers Club of Ilocos Sur Prison Jail (Bantay, Ilocos Sur); 2. Quirinian Youth In Action (Qurino, Isabela); 3. 4h Club- Goa Chapter/ Goa Young Farmers Association (Goa, Camarines Sur); 4. Tanay Mountaineers Inc. (Tanay, Rizal); 5. Ulama League for Call and Guidance. Inc. (Bgy. 648, Manila); 6. Saving Innocent Lives Amidst War (Leon, Iloilo); 7. Youth for Livable Communities (Beverly Hills, Cebu City); 8. Family Help Project (Merida, Leyte); 9. Quiniput 4h Club (Quiniput, Zamboanga); 10. Food Secure Philippines (Midsayap, North Cotabato); and 11. Power Se7en (Limaha, Butuan City).
There are 1.4 billion people 10 to 24 years old in the world and 87 percent of the young people live in developing countries. Seven hundred million are in Asia Pacific region, and the Philippines has the third youngest people in the region as 30 percent of Filipinos are under 15 and the median age is 26.
The senator believes that a lot of young people can make a difference in their respective communities and the country, as well.