Citing their efforts to help ward off poverty amid the challenges brought by the COVID pandemic, former Public Works secretary Mark Villar, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Land Paolo Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar led the awarding ceremonies and congratulated the winners of the 4th Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge.
“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,” the lady senator told the winners.
Representative Villar recognized the selfless act of the youth in helping their communities and chosen beneficiaries to get them out of their hardships at this time when self- preservation is the most important thing in this health and economic crisis.
“You have proven that despite your young age, you can maximize your potential to bring the much-need hope and joy to your communities.”
“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.
For his part, the former DPWH secretary told the youth, “Let this awarding remind you that we believe in you and in the causes of your social enterprises.”
He said the program intends not merely to encourage the youth to engage in business for profit or livelihood. He also said it goes beyond just lifting you and your family from the cycle of impoverished life.
“Through the deeds and little causes you advocate with your social enterprises, you spark change for the betterment of our society.”
“This is also about change,” said the former Cabinet official. “Through the deeds and little causes you advocate with your social enterprises, you spark change for the betterment of our society.”
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 highly coveted Villar SIPAG Award trophy.
This year’s award recipients are:
- Christian Youth Fellowship -Quezon City, NCR
- Tanghalan ng Mandaluyong, Inc. – Mandaluyong City, NCR
- Pinablin 4H Calasiao, Inc. – Calasiao, Pangasinan, Region 1
- Rice-Up Farmers, Inc. -Lubao, Pampanga, Region 3
- Youth for Mindoro Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Region 4B
- Borres Youth Leadership Institute Inc. – Roxas City, Capiz, Region 6
- Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc. – Cebu City, Cebu, Region 7
- Shadow Arts Theater Organization – Palo, Leyte, Region 8
- Vitali 4-H Club -Vitali, Zamboanga City Region 9
- Youth Cooperative for Ecological Protection -Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, Region 10
- Peace Creed Philippines – Midsayap, North Cotabato, Region 12
- E-Agrikultura Farmers Organization, Inc. – Butuan City, CARAGA
The senator noted that the entries to the poverty reduction challenge underwent rigid evaluation, comprehensive screenings.
They also had to meet specific criteria like sustainability and successful poverty reduction strategy.
She assured that the Villar SIPAG, where she sits as director, will continue to recognize the outstanding youth-led groups or enterprises that have made a significant impact on poverty reduction in their communities.
