November 23, 2010, Washington, DC – The 18th Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards was held at the Embassy of the Philippines on November 20, 2010. A project of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) and supported by the Embassy, the youth awards aims to give recognition to outstanding Filipino-American students for achieving excellent grades while being active in extracurricular undertakings. Through the Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards, young Filipino-Americans are encouraged to learn more about the Philippine national hero.

This year’s awardees received a medal and certificate signed by His Excellency Willy C. Gaa, Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States; Ms. Rebecca Pagsibigan, President of PAFC; and, Mr. Roberto Tamayo, Vice President of PAFC and Chairman of the Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards. They are:

1. Katherine Argente
2. Nariella Fernandez
3. Eliza A. Buan
4. Jacob Filon
5. Mavis Joy C. Manaloto
6. Kayla Argente
7. Jenelle Virginia F. Chu
8. Natalia Fernandez
9. Marc Daniel C. Manaloto
10. Joseph McHenry Cajayon Chavez
11. Bernadette L. Ferrer
12. Alfred-Enberg Tan Udquim
13. Jaena Marie F. Chu
14. Mark Ramada
15. Joel James Vazquez
16. Kevin L. Argente
17. Michael Ramada
18. Tatiana B. Lozano
19. Hanna Michelle Montoro
20. Krizia-Ivana Tan Udquim
21. Kelvin Jens Moncera
22. Ruth Joy L. Relador
23. Amanda L. Andrei

In his welcome remarks, Consul General Domingo P. Nolasco, congratulated the awardees and urged them to make the extra effort of studying the history of the Philippines. The Consul General added that understanding their Filipino culture gives young Filipino-Americans a unique advantage over their American peers. Ms. Margaret Datiles-Watts, Esq., a 2004 awardee, delivered the inspirational message. -- END

The 2010 Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards display their certificates signed by Ambassador Willy C. Gaa and medals during the conferment ceremony held at the Embassy of the Philippines on November 20, 2010. The annual Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards honors Filipino-American students for excellent academic record and participation in extracurricular activities.

Consul General Domingo P. Nolasco of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC addressed the young awardees and their families during the conferment ceremony of the 2010 Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards held on November 20, 2010 at the Philippine Embassy. In his remarks, the Consul General shared the outstanding attributes of the Philippine national hero and called on the awardees to emulate Dr. Rizal and take time to study the rich history of the Philippines.