THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN OF 2017

Hidilyn Diaz

In the words of Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, “She is the toast of the country, a courageous girl who trained hard to pursue a dream. Her never-say-die spirit should inspire us to aim higher. Her achievement is an example of the courage and indomitable will of the Filipino athlete”.

For Hidilyn Diaz, the journey to an Olympic medal started in a humble village in Zamboanga City, where her cousins inspired the young girl to lift barbells fashioned out of pipes with concrete weights shaped in tin cans. In the surrounding area of their small house in Barangay Mampang, Hidilyn would wake up early every morning to begin practicing. Her routine would include lifting makeshift barbells from very rusty pipes which she solicited from nearby junk shops.

For 20 years, the Philippines has been clamouring for a medal at the Summer Games but to no avail. The thirst for Olympic glory for the Philippines was finally answered during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After a 20-year drought, the country has finally landed once again with a podium finish bagging a silver medal, courtesy of the 25-year old Hidilyn. With her podium finish, Ms. Diaz instantly brought the country back into the Olympics map. She has become the source of pride and inspiration for the entire country. Her win also served as an eye-opener for sports officials to come up with a more viable and realistic sports program for potential athletes in the coming local and international events.

Like all the others, the young weightlifter also had her fair share of struggles as she also had initial setbacks during the 2007 Southeast Asian Games and at the 2012 London Olympics games. However, it did not deter her from pursuing her dreams. She continuously participated in various competitions leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

From her humble beginnings, Ms. Diaz rose to the top of her weightlifting category and dominated the 57-kilogram weight class yet she never lost sight of her desire to help others who are less fortunate but deserving individuals. During the course of her athletic career, Ms. Diaz has trained young and aspiring weightlifters from her native Zamboanga City.

A mini-gym was put up in her home in Barangay Mampang where young and aspiring weightlifters come every day to use the facilities for free. She would even prepare snacks for them and provide other necessities such as arm wraps and powder to prevent any injuries to those who come for practice.

With the avalanche of incentives that she has been receiving, Ms. Diaz along with her trainers and friends has started working on the establishment of a weightlifting training facility in Zamboanga City to provide an avenue for aspiring and up-and-coming weightlifters to pursue their career and make their dreams a reality.

As an athlete, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz has contributed immensely to the recognition of weightlifting as a legitimate source of international honors for the Philippines and has given the country a ray of hope in capturing that elusive gold medal at the Olympics.

Cirilo Joseph Javier

Cirilo Joseph M. Javier, or “Ceejay”, is the newest Music Director (MD) of Hong Kong (HK) Disneyland, one of Hong Kong’s large theme parks. He is a worthy successor of HK Disneyland’s twelve-year MD, Rony Fotich, who was also been an awardee of JCI’s The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM).

Ceejay, one of the country’s pride, has been a part of more than forty productions and hundreds of performances throughout his entire career as musician. Recognized for his talent locally and internationally, he has won numerous awards and has shaped a number of orchestras, bands and casts whether traditional or pop musicals.

Some of these musicals are: theTony Award Winning “Fun Home” featuring Ms. Lea Salonga; “Saturday Night Fever” staged in Manila, Malaysia and Singapore; Shrek the Musical; Viva Atlantis Theatrical’s Disney’s Tarzan; Disney’s The Little Mermaid and; A Little Night of Music staged in Manila and Singapore.

Through the years, Ceejay Javier has steadily become one of Philippine Theater’s finest musical directors. He has played the music of almost every major musical theater composer and has conducted the orchestra for some of the country’s top performing artists.

It does not stop there, he extends his talent by sharing such a blessing to other aspiring musicians pushing their capabilities as a mentor for them to reach their dreams. One of them being Mr. Marius Santiago who won first prize in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) on Voice Category B.

Ceejay always comes back to what shaped him, his roots. Although well known for his masterful conducting in international musicals, he has published original Filipino work that reflect an empowering view of the world as it is and music to accompany Filipino musicals and movies.

About some of his original works are the following: Triumph of the Spirit (2017), La Bella Maestra for Young and Ready for the World: OB Montessori's 50th Anniversary Concert, Legacy: The Sun Life Story (2015), Ateneo Children's Theater's Astig (2012) and, Ateneo Children's Theater's Ang Nawalang Kapatid (2011)

Among his achievements are: being a three-time Broadway World Awardee for Best Musical Direction for both “Little Mermaid” and “Shrek” and being awarded the Best Music for a Filipino Musical for “Ang Nawalang Kapatid.”

Other than that, he is also a magna cum laude graduate from the Conservatory of Music of the University of Santo Tomas. A man who brought Filipino talent to the international scene and a man who helps his fellowmen realize their own ambitions.

Despite such achievements, he has remained humble and hardworking still with the thirst for knowledge to be able to perfect his craft. He is not only an excellent artist, but an excellent friend to those he meet making him an inspiration not just to the individuals in the world of music but to an entire generation that follows him.

Eugenio Mende

EUGENIO MENDE— Not all heroes have capes, but that does not make one less super, and Supervet Eugene just proves us that—an honored veterinarian, philanthropist, researcher, producer, writer, and host. Mr. Francis Cardona, Asenso Pinoy Host and Producer explained that Dr. Mende was dubbed “Supervet Eugene” because of his effectiveness as a speaker, teacher, and mentor. He is able to capture and hold the crowd’s attention whether it be small backyard farmers or organized large swine producers. They all just simply adored him and continuously wanted to learn from him.

One of the biggest contributions of Supervet Eugene is his United States (US) - patented research on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) oil-based killed vaccine and PRRSV field-based antibody detection and quantification diagnostic kits designed to control the biggest and most economically damaging swine virus infection in the world.

After graduating Salutatorian in high school and Cum Laude at the University of the Philippines Los Banos with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he could have pursued a very lucrative opportunities in the US. Instead, he has returned home to lead several programs to uplift the lives of the indigenous poultry and hog farmers through his countless pioneering programs. What not most people know is that this Supervet silently works to help poultry and hog farmers. It has always been his dream to help them since their struggle, aspirations, and lives were never a stranger to him. Being a son of a driver who only had a dream, a bright mind, and a persevering heart, he knows exactly how it feels to be poor and powerless—making him determined to give back to the community.

Working for a Filipino national brand, San Miguel Foods, Inc., gave him the opportunity to be of service to countryside farmers—the backbone of Philippine agriculture and livestock. With his professional, corporate and industry influence, he climbed the corporate ladder and influenced their corporate technical and social responsibility program to set-up the B-MEG Fiestahan Livelihood Caravan. It is a big and successful national integrated and sustainable model of a livelihood program. The program identifies the poor but deserving households who will be enrolled in an intensive pig-raising seminar and will receive free piglets and gilt. Aside from that, Dr. Mende also makes time for religious, social, and environmental activities like organizing relief fund and distribution drives to victims of different calamities in the country and has sent student scholars to the secondary school he attended.

The Supervet is an accredited member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, International Pig Veterinanry Society, and Asian Pig Veterinary Society; was a research assistant and graduate student at the Swine Disease Eradication Center of the University of Minnesota, USA; was the youngest president at the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, youngest and multi-term president at the Philippine Veterinary Drug Association; an appointed Swine National Federation Technical Consultant; and a producer, writer, and host of a few livelihood and livestock and business shows. His credentials also boast a Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Special Citation, a PVMA Distinguished Professional Service Awardee—the highest award bestowed to a Filipino licensed veterinarian, and a special distinction in a full course Management Development Program by the Harvard Business Publishing Program to name a few.

With his many community programs and numerous works supporting the local poultry and hog farmers, Supervet Eugene is really nothing short of super.

Ronaldo Reyes

RONALDO REYES— is a man for change through the promotion of research development fuelled by the love for service and dedication, serving as a catalyst for community improvement.

He has been regarded as a diligent and hardworking public servant for almost eleven years who consistently displayed a high level of performance as he has been rated outstanding every year, proving his dedication to his students and colleagues. He is also a former president of the Association of Science Educators of the Philippines and Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines-Tabaco City Chapter.

 

Teacher Ronaldo’s greatest achievements are making a difference in the lives of his students in Tabaco National High School (TNHS) and serving the community through his various projects that extend beyond the four walls of the classroom and his working hours. His advocacy is the promotion of research culture in the community with his belief that research and development fuel the engine of progress around to which yields community growth. The multi-awarded teacher discharged two essential responsibilities: 1) elevating his field through scientific inquiry; and 2) mentoring the next generation of scientists by rendering his invaluable services as a coach and mentor in various science and research competitions. As a Science and research teacher, he implemented projects like project Rain Gauge as well as Chem-Connect—which aims to enhance inquiry skills of the students and promotes scientific literacy by expanding Science concepts for the people to find the practical applications of Science to daily life. He also conducted researches in applied science like the production of bioethanol from eddoe or locally known as koanayan, that can become a potential source of energy in the country.

Not only is he a researcher, he is also a resource speaker, facilitator, and a trainer, who immensely contributed to the dynamism of science education in TNHS as well as other schools in Tabaco City Division by sharing his insights and best practices with other teachers in DepEd-mandated seminars and trainings; giving out lectures and doing laboratory work; and has effectively and efficiently addressed a pressing need in the Philippine education system: the improvement of the performance level of the students in Science.

The simple, humble, and hardworking teacher master’s researches have been published in some books and journals like the Chemistry Education and Sustainability in the Global Age (Springer Publication) and Compendium of Innovative Classroom Management Practices for large classes (DOST-SEI) among others.

He also garnered awards from numerous organizations throughout the years like Best Paper in Science Education held in Malaysia in 2015, SEAMEO Science Teacher Award awarded by SEANEO QITEP in Indonesia, as well as bagging a place in Metrobank’s Top 10 Teachers in the same year; Gold Award in Science Telecollaborative Project awarded by Asia Europe Foundation Singapore in 2012, Federation of Asian Chemical Society Awardee in Taipei, Taiwan in 2010, and The Many Faces of a Teacher National Honoree to name a few.

This nominee believes that there is a need to nurture a strong passion for research, and optimism and hardwork are key ingredients in achieving his dreams one project at a time, while simultaneously paving the way for other dreamers to make their dreams come true in contributing growth and good change in the community.

Datu Sibug

The indigenous communities in the Philippines have become one of the most inaudible topics of today’s generation. Despite being the first nations of the land, their very existence and day-to-day struggle are overshadowed by a louder majority population but considered only indispensable when local festivities and major tourism celebrations would come to place.

After seeing and experiencing first-hand the plight of the Indigenous Peoples, one indigenous leader has bravely taken the challenge. The leader who took a stand was Datu Jason Roy Sibug, bringing hope and positive changes to the indigenous society. He realized that something must be done at once to rescue his communities from the shackles of poverty and marginalization.

He decided to create a group who will make the positive change they want and be in the frontline to cater to the needs of his brethren. He is the man behind the group known as Tuklas Katutubo. A national Indigenous Peoples (IP) organization with members composed of various indigenous peoples sectors from leaders, farmers, professionals, fisher folks, teachers, women, young leaders and elders. Tuklas Katutubo, which existed for 18 years, has continued its mission to protect and promote the rights and welfare of the Indigenous Communities.

One of his contributions is a flagship program “Balik Tribo” is just one of the many evidences of showing his most humanitarian effort. It is designed to reach, provide relevant basic social needs and to bring sustainable humanitarian services to Indigenous Peoples living in remote areas that will help re-empower themselves and use “bayanihan”, one of the many value systems of the Indigenous People.

Another is The National Indigenous Leaders’ Summit which is very vital and necessary to sustain national consciousness among the indigenous peoples in the country. This summit was the birthplace of the significant and important legislations and policies such as the Indigenous Peoples Education, Indigenized health, IP Based Tourism and other milestone landmarks vital to the lives of the Indigenous Peoples.

Datu Sibug was able to receive numerous awards and honors. He received in Malacanang the Outstanding Leader Service Award conferred by United Nation and United Nations Association of the Philippines. He was also recognized as one of the South East Asean Young Leaders chosen by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) because of his exemplar role played in the BALIK TRIBO Program. With his efforts in pioneering the National Indigenous Leaders’ Summit, the Asia Foundation recognized him as Asia 21 Young Leaders in 2010.

Datu Sibug seizes every opportunity to bring basic social services right at the doorstep of his people. Channeling the role of non-government organizations, private institutions and government institutions, Datu Sibug was able to deliver great impact among his constituents that helped improved their own lives to better. A true samaritan, he has not hesitated to echo the cry of our people by poverty reduction, solidifying recognition and attaining meaningful participation of his people.

Mark Anthony Torres

Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres is a peace-builder and head of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao of MSU-IIT and makes use of the neutral platform of the academe to invite people from various sectors to convene in dialogue spaces to talk about the peace process by advocating peace through developing programs and activities that would raise people’s awareness on the desirability of non-violent and peaceful settlement of conflicts.

At just 19 years old, Dr. Torres finished his Bachelor of Science in Biology as a Magna Cum Laude at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology and finished his Ph.D. in Biology at the same university at 26 years old.

He is a professor of Biology at the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences and Mathematics, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology and has written and published numerous researches on conservation biology, pests and pest management, human behavior and public health. Along with teaching and research, he also does a lot of extension work, particularly in the field of empowering women on environmental conservation and cultural sensitivity in development interventions.

Dr. Torres is the Officer-in-Charge of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) at MSU-IIT and is actively engaged in various peace-building initiatives aimed at increasing public acceptance and appreciation of the gains of the peace process between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Some of these activities include dialogue spaces for people to gain appreciation of the peace process in Mindanao with MILF and MNLF communities, civil society organizations, academe, youth, LGU, national agencies and the security sectors like PNP and AFP as their participants; livelihood trainings for former rebels in Lanao such as basket weaving and rope making for former MNLF combatants; and organizing capacity-building activities for DEPED SPED instructors who are teaching children with special needs.

In December of 2015, Dr. Torres received a plaque of recognition as "Guardian of Peace and Partner in Development" from the 2nd Mechanized Brigade of the Philippine Army in acknowledgement of the various joint confidence building exercises intended to bring the military closer to the people. The following year, he was conferred the title as one of the Outstanding Filipinos awarded by Metrobank Foundation Inc. and is the youngest to have received the award for the Higher Education Institution category. In the same year, he was the lone recipient of the Gawad Chancellor para sa pinakanatatanging Guro sa Larangan ng Ekstensiyon. The award came with a plaque of recognition that bears citations on the contribution of Dr. Torres to the Institute's mandate of fulfilling its social responsibility. Last year, he also received the "Outstanding Iliganon” –a feat that he truly treasures being a resident of the city.

This nominee is a peace-builder who undoubtedly exemplifies the JCI creed, “That service to humanity is the best work of life”, as he passionately dedicates his life to obtain and reach peace in Mindanao.

Chiara Zambrano

In the craft of journalism, it is not only about making people know what is going on. It is about challenging citizens to see more about their environment and taking initiative into maintaining its peace and order as well as creating change for its betterment.

Journalism for Chiara Zambrano is not a job that merely gives necessary information to the public. It is far more profound than that. To her, it is a craft that uses information to distribute power to all Filipinos. It gives us all the power to know the truth, so that we are not so easily swayed by fake news and misinformation. It gives us the power to make informed decisions about how we want to live our lives.

She is currently a news report for ABS – CBN’s but began her career as a journalist by producing documentaries for ABS-CBN’s “The Correspondents” in 2004. Whether in long or in short form, her work has always stood out for the simplicity of its telling, and the clarity of meaning it imparts to the viewers.

People say Chiara is a woman living in a man’s world, covering war “with the boys,” But I have never seen bravery and strength as traits exclusive to any sex or gender. Her presence is inspiring to many women giving them reason to carve their own space in the world and she supports this. It causes her to further to do her best and represent them better.

Chiara has won several awards for her work through the years. To name a few, her documentary on the West Philippine Sea became a Finalist at the 2015 New York Festivals. This September, she was awarded Best Female Field Reporter for 2017 by the Communications Guild. Her latest documentary on the Marawi terrorist attack titled “’Di Ka Pasisiil” was also a resounding success. It was aired twice on ABS-CBN by demand, and was the top trending Twitter topic during both times.

Every journalist’s goal is to be able to tell stories that influence policy, challenge propaganda, and start public discourse and her stories have done just that. Because of her documentaries, Filipinos understood the tension and conflict in her stories giving a new perspective and enlightenment to her audience.

Chiara’s stories go beyond the mere sharing of information – she tells the audience why it all matters to them. When she wrote a documentary about a band of boys in Tondo who learned how to play football in the streets (“Futkal” / The Correspondents), and are now in college on full sports scholarships, Chiara told the poor to aim high like these boys did, and told the rich that they were in a position to help change a life, just as the rich man who taught the boys about the transformative power of the sport.

When she wrote a documentary on the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the Spratly Islands (titled “Spratlys: Mga Isla ng Kalayaan”), she went to the islands themselves to let the Filipino fishermen share how their fishing grounds are being destroyed, how the soldiers face isolation and uncertainty, left out at sea to face a superior military power just waiting in the wings.

Despite having been in practice since 2004, she remains a student of the world. She has just arrived in London after receiving the prestigious Chevening scholarship, through which she will be taking MA in Documentary by Practice at Royal Holloway, University of London until 2018. Back in 2013, she was also awarded a fellowship at the Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism in the Ateneo de Manila University, through which she took her MA in Journalism.