Tanay Mountaineers wins Smart Youth Award

Mountaineers has received a special award from Smart Communications at the 15th TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awards ceremonies, for its efforts to protect the cloud rat which is endemic to the Philippines.

The group worked with the local government to pass a resolution species of the town and encouraged the production of souvenir items featuring the animal to raise awareness on its protection.

Tanay Mountaineers’ efforts helped achieve four things: the protection of its hometown’s biodiversity, the promotion of the municipality as a tourist destination, the generation of additional revenue streams for the community, and the education of residents on the importance of biodiversity protection

Before presenting the award and a cash prize to the Tanay Mountaineers, Smart Public Affairs Smart, the group has forged strong partnerships with government and community stakeholders in pursuit of its goal.

The Tanay Mountaineers was one of ten organizations cited at the TAYO Awards ceremony.