TWELVE youth groups were declared as winners in the 4th Youth Poverty Reduction Challenges initiated by Villar SIPAG Foundation.

Senator Cynthia Villar, together with former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Land Paolo Villar led the awarding ceremonies.

The winners were Christian Youth Fellowship of Quezon City; Tanghalan ng Mandaluyong, Inc., Mandaluyong City; Pinablin 4H Calasiao, Inc., Calasiao, Pangasinan; Rice-Up Farmers, Incorporated, Lubao, Pampanga; Youth for Mindoro Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Borres Youth Leadership Institute Inc., Roxas City, Capiz; Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Incorporated, Cebu City, Cebu; Shadow Arts Theater Organization, Palo, Leyte; Vitali 4-H Club, Vitali, Zamboanga City; Youth Cooperative for Ecological Protection, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City; Peace Creed Philippines, Midsayap, North Cotabato and E-Agrikultura Farmers Organization, Inc., CARAGA Region Butuan City

“We know it is more challenging this year because of the situation we are all in, but you all rose to the occasion despite the challenges. We hope you will continue your winning ways in helping our fellow Filipinos beat poverty,” Villar told the winners.

Rep. Villar recognized the selfless act of the youth in helping their communities and chosen beneficiaries to get them out of their hardships at a time when self- preservation is the most important thing in this health and economic crisis.

“This is youth empowerment. You have proven that despite your young age, you can maximize your potential to bring the much-need hope and joy to your communities,” she said.

Villar SIPAG Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge is a competition designed to encourage and empower youth organizations to embark on social enterprises that made significant impact in reducing poverty in their respective communities.

Participants were composed of college students, out-of-school youth, young professionals, and young entrepreneurs among others.

Each organization received P100,000 cash incentive and the Villar SIPAG Award trophy.

Senator Villar gave assurances that the Villar SIPAG, where she sits as director, will continue to recognize outstanding youth-led groups or enterprises that made a significant impact on poverty reduction in their communities.