Accomplishments

2007 ASEAN Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations

In spite of the lack of resources and financial challenges to sustain this youth organization, KAAKBAY's efforts to provide accessible and affordable rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities has been recognized not only in the Philippines but in the ASEAN region as well. The 2nd ASEAN TAYO Awards was held last November 30, 2007 at the Plenary Hall of Cebu International Convention Center which was made possible through the initiative of the National Youth Commission led by its Chairman Mr. Richard Alvin M. Nalupta and Committee for ASEAN Youth Cooperation Secretary General Mr. Sobri Ahmad.

Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations

In 2003 and 2007, KAAKBAY was awarded as one of the winners of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations for its community leadership and public service vision. It bested more than 100 youth organizations all over the country which were chosen based on innovation, social mobilization, replicability and impact in the community. KAAKBAY was a recipient of the award in 2003 for its Physical Therapy program and in 2007 for its Occupational Therapy and Special Education programs. The organization received a P50,000.00 cash prize and a handcrafted trophy made by sculptor and artist, Toym Imao. The TAYO Awards is an annual search that aims to recognize, reward, and encourage youth efforts in nation building. The first TAYO search was held in 2002 and culminated in an awarding ceremony on April 2003, in Malacañang Palace. The search was made possible through the efforts of the National Youth Commission, Office of Sen. Francis N. Pangilinan and the Philippine Jaycees.

The KAAKBAY Executive Director, Mr. Michael D. Velilla is shown here receiving the handcrafted TAYO trophy from Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Francis N. Pangilinan and former chairman of the National Youth Commission, Mr. Benigno A. Aquino IV in a ceremony held at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañang Palace.

Philippine Physical Therapy Association

In celebration of the 40th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Physical Therapy Association, the Board of Directors of PPTA awarded KAAKBAY the 1st Gawad PPTA: Dangal ng Propesyon for its efforts in making physical therapy services accessible to the people of Davao City, Philippines. The KAAKBAY Executive Director is shown here with other PT awardees in different fields of expertise together with Ms. Zen Abanilla, past president of the PPTA.