Ivan Henares named one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2012 awardees

As many former awardees have pointed out, I must still be on a high after receiving The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2012 for my work in heritage conservation. I shared during my response at the TOYM reception that this award is not only a personal recognition. It recognizes heritage conservation as a professional field and the principles we stand for.

Culture as a national concern has almost always been muted by other equally important national priorities. But we all know it is a potent force for poverty alleviation if harnessed properly and effectively. Alloting funds for culture and heritage conservation is not an expense. It is an investment!

President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the winners of the 2012 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards for a photo souvenir in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 09, 2013). In photo are Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad, Jr., Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong, Emmeline Aglipay, Waren Baticados, Ivan Anthony Henares, Abelardo Apollo David and Allan “Apl.D.Ap” Pineda. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Heritage and culture are inherent elements of our national identity. I've always held the belief that a strong national identity and pride of place are often disregarded tools for nation-building. The Heritage Conservation Society envisions "a Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage in order to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity."

We fight hard to preserve what is left of our built heritage because, no matter what conflicting interests say, we are positive that these old structures are tools towards progress, as they enhance the character of our towns and cities and strengthen their economic potential through tourism.

The Philippines, in order for it to excel and progress, must move forward as one nation, grounded on its history, heritage and culture. This is our nation's soul. And only when we appreciate, understand and embrace this heritage will we be inspired as a people, strengthened by our renewed national pride, to uphold a culture of excellence.

Thank you very much to TOYM for recognizing our work! It gives us inspiration to ardently carry on our mission to preserve our country's built heritage.

PALACE GIG Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee Allan “apl.de.ap” Lindo Pineda Jr. dances and sings the songs by the Black Eyed Peas. He is joined by fellow awardees Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad Jr. and one of his children, Rep. Emmeline Aglipay Yan (left), Ivan Henares, Abelardo Ilagan Jr., Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong and Waren Baticados (right) in Rizal Hall in Malacañang. Watching from the stage at the far end is President Aquino. LYN RILLON. Full story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Azkals’ Caligdong, apl.de.ap lead 2012 TOYM awardees

The Outstanding Young Men awardee Allan ‘apl.de.ap’ Pineda of US pop music band The Black Eyed Peas performs during the awarding ceremony at Malacañang yesterday. Other awardees are (from left) the Azkals’ Emelio ‘Chieffy’ Caligdong, Abelardo David, Warren Baticados, Ivan Anthony Henares, Rodrigo ‘Jiggy’ Manicad Jr. and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay. Full story in the Philippine Star: 7 TOYM awardees honored