Marcos to TOYM awardees: Integrity, compassion are key

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January 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —   President Marcos yesterday called on the awardees of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2025 to continue leading with integrity and to use their capabilities to render service and build a better future.

In a speech read by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Marcos said the TOYM awardees have proven that leadership “demands a deep sense of purpose” as he lauded them for sharing their purpose and talents with 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,” the President said.

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

The 2025 awardees are lawyer Raymond Marvic Baguilat, who defended indigenous people and ensured that their rights are embedded into legal and educational systems; Rafael Ignacio Dionisio, who collaborated with Aeta communities in Zambales to restore forests and build livelihood; John Jamir Benzon Aruta, who connected climate change and mental health to build an institution that sheds light on how environmental loss affects well-being. and Deo Florence Onda, the first Filipino to reach the Emden Deep, the third deepest point on earth who also led scientific expeditions in the West Philippine Sea and critical research on marine plastic pollution and microbial ecology.