Ibaloi, first Benguet Igorot to receive TOYM award

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Ryan Camado Guinaran, M.D. is the first Ibaloi and first Igorot from Benguet to receive the award for this year’s The Outstanding Young Men and Women Program.

He won the category under ‘social and cultural leadership. He is an honoree of indigenous people’s advocacy.

He was adjudged as one of the 11 finalists for the 2016 TOYM Dec. 12 at Kalayan Hall, Malacanang Palace. 

As a doctor and indigenous peoples advocate, his advocacies focused on health, youth mobilization, education, history and culture and arts.

Recently, he published his book entitled “To my fellow Igorot Youth,” this was launched at Benguet State University in October.

Guinaran is faithful in his mission to harness the energy of the youth through regaining youth consciousness.

During the awarding ceremony, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the JCI Foundation directors led by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan handed the medal and trophy to the 11 honorees.

The Junior Chamber International -Philippines (JCIP), TOYM Foundation and Gerry Roxas Foundation screened and reviewed over 60 nominations and selected 22 finalists to compete in the final round of judging.

The board of judges conducted extensive review of the 22 finalists.

Present during the awarding were Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso, Benguet State University president Feliciano G. Calora Jr., Guinaran’s family, friends and relatives.

Guinaran was born in La Trinidad but traces his roots from Bokod and Kabayan towns of Benguet.

His academic, community service and leadership awards during his schooling years were his starting line in devoting himself to community and youth development.

He is a graduate of BS Biology at Saint Louis University and he pursued his medical degree at the UP College of Medicine in 2002.

He is also a graduate of MS Community Development at BSU, MS in Development Management at Asian Institute of Management, Makati Philippines.

At present, he is a member of the Board of Regents of the BSU, the highest policy making body of the university and an adjunct faculty member of the BSU-Open University./Mary Cris P. Basilio, BSU