Insider Spotlight
The search was formally launched at the MPIC Boardroom in Pasig City, bringing together TOYM Foundation chair Bienvenido “Donnie” Tantoco III, TOYM Foundation president Chaye Cabal-Revilla, 2026 JCI Philippines national president Patrick DL Maglinao and 2026 JCI Philippines national executive vice president Joseph Ginno Jaralve, along with past awardees, media representatives and stakeholders.
Why it matters
TOYM has grown into one of the country's long-running recognition programs for young Filipinos whose work has generated significant benefits for communities or advanced their respective professions. Women have been eligible for the award since 1984, while the recognition was known as The Outstanding Young Filipinos from 1996 to 1999.
This year's theme, “Honoring the Changemakers who will Sustain the Future,” puts the spotlight on individuals whose work is creating an impact beyond their immediate achievements. Organizers said the recognition is intended to highlight changemakers whose contributions can create a ripple effect across communities and help sustain progress for future generations.
The big picture
The search spans 11 categories covering humanitarian service and social work, arts and culture, pure science and mathematics, engineering, agriculture and other applied sciences, education, law, public service and civic work, medicine and health sciences, sports, journalism and mass communications, and business and economics.
The previous batch of honorees reflected that breadth. The 2025 awardees included environmental and climate psychology advocate John Jamir Benzon Aruta, Indigenous Peoples' rights lawyer Raymond Marvic “Ice” Baguilat, marine scientist Deo Florence Onda and regenerative tourism and circular economy entrepreneur Rafael Sison Dionisio. Their work covered planetary health, ancestral domains, ocean science and sustainable enterprise.
Who qualifies
Candidates must be Filipinos aged 18 to 40 by Dec. 31, 2026 and must have devoted a substantial part of their lives to their chosen fields, backed by documented proof subject to verification by the TOYM Secretariat. Nominees must also have a record of contributing to humanitarian causes.
Past TOYM honorees and current national officers or paid staff of JCI Philippines and the TOYM Foundation are not eligible. Each candidate must also be endorsed by a JCI chapter in the Philippines and submit requirements including a signed pre-nomination form, proof of birth, a high-resolution photograph and an NBI clearance.
What’s next
The nomination period, which opened in August, runs through Oct. 31, giving prospective nominees time to complete their requirements. Screening, judging and selection will follow from November to December, ahead of the awarding and gala dinner in the first quarter of 2027.
Beyond honoring individual achievement, TOYM seeks to showcase examples of Filipino excellence that can inspire succeeding generations to pursue greater personal and professional accomplishment while embracing service to others.
The program traces its beginnings to 1959, when JCI Philippines adopted an award earlier instituted by JCI Manila. The TOYM Foundation was later organized in 1990 to help ensure the continuity and integrity of the recognition program, working with JCI Philippines on resources, community support and the selection process. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
