Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at The Outstanding Young Men 2025 Awarding Ceremony (delivered by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on behalf of the President)

A pleasant morning to all.

Since its establishment in 1959, the Outstanding Young Men and Women TOYM Awards has become a reminder that age is never a barrier to excellence.

For more than six decades, the TOYM has recognized young Filipinos who choose to uplift communities and shape our country’s future.

The theme of this year’s celebration could not be more fitting: “Excellence in Action, Building a Better Tomorrow.”

In this age of the Bagong Pilipinas, excellence must be in our every endeavor so we can have a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow citizens.

Today, we honor young Filipinos whose work has been driven by courage, conviction, and of course, excellence.

We recognize Atty. Baguilat for using his legal mind

to defend indigenous peoples and to ensure that their rights are embedded into our legal and educational systems.

We celebrate Mr. Dionisio, an innovator who partnered with Aeta communities in Zambales to restore forests and build livelihood that respect both people and our planet.

We also honor Dr. Aruta, a pioneer who connected climate change and mental health to build an institution that shines a light on how environmental loss affects our well-being, especially in the global south.

And we commend Dr. Onda for being the first Filipino to reach the Emden Deep, the third deepest point on earth, for leading scientific expeditions in the West Philippine Sea, and for leading critical research on marine plastic pollution and microbial ecology.

Each of you truly proves that leadership demands a deep sense of purpose. And I am glad that you are all here to share that purpose and your talents with your fellow Filipinos.

Through your work, and more importantly, the impact you have created, I am confident that the Philippines is in good hands.

In you, we see an emboldened generation that is guided by purpose and committed to service.

To our awardees, continue to lead with integrity and act with compassion in your respective fields. The nation awaits your next triumph.

To the Junior Chamber International Philippines and the TOYM Foundation, thank you for keeping this tradition that challenges our youth to serve and succeed.

To all young Filipinos watching, I hope these awardees inspire you to hold yourself to the highest standards in everything you do. Always keep in mind that excellence becomes possible when we choose to use our talents in the service of others.

Again, congratulations and may we never lose sight of the reason why we do this work, why we serve, and why we wake up each day, and that is to build a better tomorrow for all.

Maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay ang ating TOYM awardees.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas.

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