Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Corruption would be a thing of the past if Filipinos choose selfless and competent leaders in this year’s elections.
This was President Benigno Aquino III’ message to the youth during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) 13 awarding ceremony in Malacañan on Thursday morning (January 21).
Aquino was not in the event and it was Palace Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. who delivered the message for him.
In his message, president said that he was confident that in the coming elections, his “bosses” would choose the right candidate who would continue with “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path).
The TAYO awards foundation is the country’s sole award-giving body that grants nationwide recognition to youth organizations for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and development.
In his message, the president recognized the role of the youth in nation-building, noting that they were the hope of the motherland.
He also lauded the awardees who chose to help others voluntarily instead of just complaining and doing nothing.
This year’s list included:The School of Law and Community Enrichment, University of San Jose Recoletos, Cebu City
I Am M.a.d. (Making a difference) Inc., Mandaluyong City
Tanay Mountaineers, Tanay, Rizal
Kanlaon Theater Guild, Bacolod city
Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, De La Salle Araneta University, Malabon City
Keep Hope Alive Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro
Youth Sports Advocacy, Quezon City
Bayugan National Comprehensive High School – Yecs, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur
Tobog Youth Organization, Oas, Albay
UP Alchemes (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students), Quezon City
The Tayo 13 was organized by the Tayo Awards Foundation, the National Youth Comission, and the office of Sen. Bam Aquino.
Standing up for freedom
Later in the evening, Aquino was at the freedom speech event in Intramuros, Manila — an annual event that discusses the state of freedom in the Philippines.
He said Liberals had always stood for freedom, as they take hold of their own destiny and live with dignity.
It is organized by The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) — a partner of the Liberal Party since it opened its office in the Philippines in 1986, and an advocate of liberal democracy.
Aquino noted that in other countries, liberal stood equal to progressiveness.
He mentioned programs that had freed Filipinos from various problems: the cash subsidy program which freed children from ignorance, freeing parents to dream of better future for their kids; freeing the Filipino from vulnerability — from disasters, as the government strengthens disaster protocols; freeing the Filipino from disease, through PhilHealth, which now covers 91% of the population.
FNF Country Director Jules Maaten recognized the changes made under the Aquino administration and stated his support for the continuation of Daang Matuwid.
To lighten the mood, Aquino mentioned there were only a few days left before he himself got freedom — but added that he hoped Liberals in the government would continue the achievements made under his administration.
CNN Philippines’ Patricia de Leon contributed to this report.
