Two Ateneans named 2021 TOYM awardees

Two Ateneo de Manila alumni have been named 2021 The Outstanding Young Men and Women (TOYM): Lou Sabrina S Ongkiko (BS Biology 2005) and Dr Jayeel S Cornelio (BA Development Studies 2003).

Awarded annually since 1959 by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines, the awards honor individuals who willingly take “the extra mile of selfless service to others.” Leading this year’s 10 honorees are educators and health care professionals, in line with the 2021 TOYM theme “ Everyday Leaders Enabling Extraordinary Impact.”

Ongkiko was recognized for her advocacy for learning continuity and blended learning initiatives. Cornelio, an associate professor and director of the Development Studies Program at the Loyola Schools, was cited for his work in the academe and sociology.

Said  Cornelio, “This award, in my view, is a reminder of our calling as Ateneans to serve other people. This means that our work can only be considered excellent if done for other people. Thus my work as a sociologist has always been in pursuit of the common good. Concretely, my work has paid attention to barriers that make it difficult for young people's voices to be heard. My work too interrogates how religion can be both contributory and inimical to the democratic project.”

Heading the 2021 TOYM board of judges is former Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

The awards ceremony will be held on 8 April 2022.