Apl.de.ap, Jiggy Manicad among 2012 TOYM awardees

Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap and GMA News senior reporter Jiggy Manicad will be among the awardees of the annual Ten Outstanding Young Men of 2012, it was announced Wednesday at the Fort, Taguig City. The other awardees will be Congresswoman Emmeline Aglipay, heritage conservationist Ivan Henares, Azkals Vice Captain Chieffy Caligdong, occupational therapist Abelardo David and veterinarian Waren Baticados. The list was announced by Supreme Court Justice Arturo Brion, head judge of this year's TOYM awards. Every year, a panel of judges chooses among Filipinos who have showed exceptional dedication to their field to be given the TOYM award. "We look for people to be role models for the Filipino youth,” said TOYM executive director Larry Cruz. For this year however, only seven were given the award due to the tight criteria set by the judges. “This is the most prestigious Filipino youth award,” Cruz said, adding that the TOYM has been an award-giving body since 1959. In an interview with GMA News Online, Manicad offered the award to the Lord, his family and the victims of typhoon Pablo which devastated the Philippines recently, leaving 700 dead and more missing. “It's truly an honor and an inspiration to do better and do more at the same time,” he said. Meanwhile, Henares also told GMA News Online that he hoped that this recognition will mark the beginning of Filipino youth learning to embrace their cultural heritage. "It's the first time that Heritage Conservation is recognized by TOYM. I'm honored and thankful that TOYM recognized our work and advocacy to preserve our country's built heritage,” he said. The seven awardees will be presented with their awards at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang tentatively before the year ends. — BM, GMA News