EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Briones lauded the three education workers who are among the Ten Outstanding Young Men this year.

“The Department is delighted with the results of the TOYM with the recipients being exceptional young people who will surely inspire our learners and the youth to excel in their respective fields,” Briones said.

Lou Sabrina Ongkiko, a teacher at Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City for 11 years, received the award for the Education/Academe for spearheading various learning continuity plan and blended learning initiatives.

Ongkiko was also named as one of the outstanding women in service for her dedication to educate children, empower teachers and contribution to reforms in the Philippine education system.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University Associate Professor and Director of the Development Studies Program Jayeel Cornelio received the citation for Education/Sociology.

Eleazar Abraham Orobia, head facilitator of Arts Workshops for Indigenous People, received recognition for Education and Culture.

Other TOYM awardees were Ariestelo Asilo (Social Entrepreneurship), Iloisa Romaraog-Diga (Agricultural Entrepreneurship), Anna Oposa (Environment, Marine Conservation) and Maria Yzabell Angel Palma (Science and Technology), Jaime Alfonso Aherrera (Medicine, Cardiology), Jaemark Tordecilla (Digital Journalism) and Melvin Sanicas (Medicine).

Assistant Secretary for Youth Affairs and Special Concerns Juan Valerio Respicio IV said that TOYM acknowledged people who excelled during the health crisis.

“The Department is pleased that the annual search has widened its recognition to emerging professional tracks and emphasized the nominees’ research initiatives. The grantees have demonstrated a thorough comprehension of their work and have even responded to the Covid19 pandemic’s obstacles,” Respicio noted.

Retired Chief Justice Renato Puno spearheaded the TOYM Board of Judges along with Sec. Briones, Inquirer Group CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, University of the Philippines President Atty. Danilo Concepcion, CBCP Secretary-General Msgr. Bernard Pantin, and 1st District of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.