Celebrating Filipino Excellence: The TOYM Awards by JCI Philippines
In every corner of the Philippines, there are young individuals making a profound difference in business, science, education, social work, governance, and beyond. These modern-day heroes are not always in the spotlight, but their impact is deeply felt. As part of our mission to recognize, uplift, and inspire youth leadership, we proudly celebrate these changemakers through one of the most prestigious honors in the country: The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards.
Hosted by JCI Philippines in collaboration with the TOYM Foundation and the Gerry Roxas Foundation, the TOYM Awards stand as a testament to what young Filipinos can achieve when purpose meets passion.
What is TOYM Awards?
The TOYM Awards, established in 1959, is a long-standing national recognition program that honors Filipino citizens aged 18–40 who have demonstrated excellence in their field and a deep commitment to public service and nation-building.
Although originally named “The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines,” the award has evolved into a gender-inclusive program while keeping the iconic acronym TOYM. Today, it honors young men and women across various sectors who embody service, integrity, innovation, and the spirit of Filipino leadership.
TOYM awardees aren’t just accomplished professionals—they are role models and change agents, making a difference both in their industries and in the communities they serve.
Why TOYM Awards Matters
At our nonprofit organization, we believe that recognition fuels inspiration. When we highlight the stories of trailblazing young Filipinos, we empower others to believe in their potential and take action. Here’s why TOYM is essential to our advocacy:
Boosts Civic Leadership and Professional Growth
TOYM honorees often go on to become public servants, community leaders, and national influencers. The recognition not only boosts their careers but also magnifies their platforms for social impact.
Nationwide Representation
We are working to ensure that outstanding young leaders from all regions especially underrepresented areas like Mindanao are recognized. With only five awardees from Davao in TOYM’s 66-year history, we are committed to increasing regional inclusivity.
Aligned with JCI’s Global Mission
TOYM reflects JCI’s goal of empowering young people to create positive change. Honoring service, innovation, and integrity reinforces our broader mission to build better leaders for a better world.
TOYM Awards 2025 Theme: “Excellence in Action, Building a Better Tomorrow”
The 66th TOYM Awards officially launched on May 29, 2025, at the historic Rizal Park Hotel in Manila, with simultaneous kick-off events in various JCI Metro chapters.
Led by JCI Philippines National President Felix Venson Chua and TOYM 2025 Chair Hannah Chloe Cano, this year’s theme highlights the power of action-oriented leadership. We are calling for nominations from every region to help us discover and celebrate those quietly but powerfully changing the world around them.
Eligibility Criteria
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized?
To be eligible for TOYM 2025, nominees must:
- Be a Filipino citizen aged 18 to 40 as of December 31, 2025
- Demonstrate exceptional achievements in their professional field and humanitarian contributions
- Not be a previous TOYM awardee
- Not be a current national officer, staff, or committee chair of JCI Philippines
Eligible fields include (but are not limited to) education, medicine, science and technology, law, public service, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, agriculture, journalism, and social development.
How to Nominate a Candidate
The TOYM nomination process is open to individuals, organizations, universities, companies, NGOs, and civic groups.
Steps to Nominate:
- Complete the pre-nomination form from the official TOYM website.
- Gather all required documents:
- Birth certificate
- Updated NBI clearance
- Nominee’s portfolio (CV, awards, press features, project outcomes, etc.)
- Submit between May and August 2025 via the official nomination portal or through your local JCI chapter.
Each nomination undergoes thorough screening and evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges drawn from government, private sector, media, and civil society.
TOYM Awards 2025 Timeline
| Phase | Date |
| Launch & Nominations Open | May 29, 2025 |
| Nomination Period | May – August 2025 |
| Screening | September 2025 |
| Final Judging | October 2025 |
| Awards Ceremony | January 2026 |
Shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews and final review. Winners will be celebrated in a formal awards ceremony in early 2026, with media coverage and public tributes to their contributions.
Why You Should Get Involved to TOYM Awards
By supporting or nominating someone for TOYM, you become part of a movement that honors leadership, excellence, and nation-building.
Whether you’re a colleague, friend, or community leader you have the power to help change someone’s life by simply submitting their name for recognition. You also amplify the message that service and excellence deserve to be celebrated, especially among the youth.
Let’s highlight the success stories that often go unnoticed. Let’s celebrate the heroes of today, so they can inspire the heroes of tomorrow.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What does TOYM stand for?
TOYM stands for The Outstanding Young Men. a historic name that now applies to all genders. It recognizes young Filipino leaders and innovators in various fields.
Is the program only for men?
No. Although originally exclusive to men, TOYM has been inclusive of all genders since the early 2000s, reflecting a more equitable and progressive recognition system.
Can I nominate myself?
No, self-nominations are not accepted. Nominations must come from an individual, organization, or group familiar with the nominee’s achievements.
Does the nominee need to be a JCI member?
No. Nominees do not need to be JCI members. TOYM is open to all qualified young Filipinos, regardless of affiliation.
What happens if someone is shortlisted?
Shortlisted nominees will be contacted for further interviews and validation. Final judging is conducted by an esteemed panel before winners are selected.
Be a Part of History
The TOYM Awards are more than a title. they’re a symbol of Filipino excellence, and a catalyst for greater service.
We invite you to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals by:
- Nominating someone worthy
- Spreading the word
- Supporting the awards through your organization or network
Let’s continue building a country where service is honored, youth are empowered, and leadership is nurtured at every level.
Visit the official TOYM page for full details, or contact us directly for nomination support.
