2009 has been a bumper year of awards for our very own Munting Nayon writer Dr Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III. He won three major awards, one recognition and two nominations and one being a finalist—all for his work in global health and maritime health. The highlight for the year is being bestowed the most prestigious award for young professionals—The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines awarded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Rizal Hall in the Malacañang Palace on 8 December 2009. He was awarded together with Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin (Education), Jose Roberto Alday Alampay (Democracy and Human Rights Advocacy), Ma. Anthonette Velasco Allones (Human Resource Development), Raymund Joseph Teves Laurel (Arts-Fashion Design), and Maria Victoria Morales-Reyno (Broadcast Journalism).

Don is recognized for his commendable work in the fields of maritime health, global health, science promotion and his work with the organization, Building Alliances and Leaders for Understanding and Development—BALUD. His work in these areas made significant impact on his country. Despite coming from a humble background, he sailed through life earning academic degrees from good universities, graduating with a BSc (Psychology, cum laude), MD, MPH, Postgraduate Diploma and PhD and excelling academically. His leadership skill is shown in the various positions he has held. He has been working mainly in health research and programs focusing on vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Don is known in the global maritime industry as the voice of the Filipino seafarers. He fights for the rights, better health and welfare of the global seafarers and their families. His advocacy based on evidence and research contributed to a more humane maritime industry. His work has made significant impact on the 1.5 million seafarers of the world through various policy changes. He has advanced the understanding of the working lives of seafarers through his extensive research work.

In the field of global health, Don’s research has provided a better understanding of a number of issues that affect vulnerable populations such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, gender, poverty and globalization. He has carved out a name in the global health circle and has met many global health players. He has been invited to give presentations in numerous conferences and by many universities in more than fifty countries. Don is involved in various global health endeavours thereby bringing honour to his country.

Through BALUD, Don has been in the forefront in achieving the UN MDGs and breaking the cycle of poverty among its beneficiaries in Leyte and Samar. BALUD has contributed to a number of development areas such as childhood and youth education, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, community development, giftedness program, science education and infrastructure development. BALUD also developed the concept of Centre of Excellence in Rural Elementary Education proving the point that scaling up investment in rural schools would result into quality education and community development.

With science and research in his blood, Don has been very active in promoting science specially to the young. He remains the only Filipino invited by the Intel Foundation to judge annually at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. He has been a member of the Intel Philippine Science Fair Advisory Board where he provided various policy recommendations making the Philippines competitive. He has also been brining top-notch science from abroad taught in rural Philippines.

All of these achievements did not remain unnoticed. He has been recognized through many awards, grants and fellowships globally. His work has been written about by the media. Despite the accolades, Don remains humble and grounded to his roots. He continues to work as a health and development researcher and as an advocate for a healthier and a better Philippines and a global community.

The Screening Panel for TOYM 2009 was composed of Atty. Theodore O. Te (TOYM Human Rights/Legal Aide 2002), Bernido H. Lui (TOYM Business Entrepreneurship 2001), Luis P. Gatmaitan (TOYM Literature 2003), Tobias Reynald M. Tiangco (TOYM Community Service 2007), Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz (TOYM Medical Genetics 2002), Maria Paz G. Luna (TOYM Environmental Law 2004), and Rafael J. Consunji (TOYM Medicine/Community Service 2006).

The Board of Judges was chaired by Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban. Members were Brother Armin A. Luistro FSC (President & Chancellor, De la Salle University), Victoria P. Garchitorena (President, Ayala Foundation), Jesse M. Robredo (Mayor, Naga City), Rey B. Aquino (President and CEO, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation), Antonio D. Kalaw Jr. (President, Development Academy of the Philippines), and Leticia Jimenez-Magsanoc (Editor in Chief, Philippine Daily Inquirer).

The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards is the premier program of JCI Philippines since 1959. This year, TOYM Search is chaired by 2007 National JCI President Glenn B. Santos. The search is now on its 51st year. JCI is headed by 2009 National President Fulbert C. Woo. The 2009 theme of the search was anchored on the theme “Outstanding contribution, New Inspiration and Excellence” or ONE@51. This year’s TOYM search is presented by the Gerry Roxas Foundation, JCI Sen. Dennis L. Cunanan and ICIDS Foundation in cooperation with the TOYM Foundation.