The Ifugao lawyer receives honors together with different TOYM awardees: Rafael Ignacio Dionisio, Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta, and Dr. Deo Florence Onda
BAGUIO, Philippines – Ifugao and lawyer Raymond Marvic “Ice” C. Baguilat has constructed his authorized profession round translating the regulation into sensible instruments for communities and guaranteeing indigenous voices are thought of in coverage and governance, slightly than pursuing company or judicial development.
Baguilat, a school member on the College of the Philippines School of Legislation, was named one of many 2025 Ten Excellent Younger Males (TOYM) within the Philippines within the class of Legislation, Human Rights, and Indigenous Peoples, and awarded on Thursday, January 22.
He’s the youthful brother of politician, journalist, and activist Teddy Baguilat.
The TOYM Awards is an annual nationwide recognition for Filipinos aged 18 to 40. It’s organized by Junior Chamber Worldwide Philippines with assist from the TOYM Basis and different companions. Solely 4 TOYM awards got.
Throughout the awards ceremony on the Kalayaan Corridor in Malacañang, Baguilat wore a tongoh (Ifugao headdress) and Ifugao clothes. He obtained the TOYM award together with Rafael Ignacio Dionisio, Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta, and Dr. Deo Florence Onda.
Dionisio was acknowledged for his initiatives that assist Aeta communities in Zambales, together with reforestation initiatives and the creation of sustainable livelihood applications that safeguard each native welfare and the surroundings.
Aruta obtained the award for his analysis connecting local weather change to psychological well being and for main a corporation that examines how environmental degradation impacts human well-being, significantly within the International South.
Onda, an oceanographer, was honored as the primary Filipino to succeed in Emden Deep. He has led scientific expeditions within the West Philippine Sea and carried out research on marine plastic air pollution and microbial ecosystems.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a message learn by Govt Secretary Ralph Recto, honored the TOYM awardees, urging them to proceed main with integrity and compassion of their respective fields.
As head authorized officer of the UP Institute of Human Rights and program head of the Indigenous Peoples Legislation and Coverage Program, he has helped combine Indigenous Peoples’ rights into authorized schooling as a core concern slightly than a peripheral topic.
His handbooks, course guides, and coaching modules are utilized by regulation college students, indigenous leaders, grassroots advocates, and policymakers looking for rights-based, culturally grounded frameworks.
Baguilat performed a key position within the passage of the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Improvement Act of 2024 and helped draft its implementing guidelines, guaranteeing significant session with non-Moro Indigenous Peoples within the Bangsamoro area.
On the native degree, he authored cultural safety ordinances for the municipalities of Kiangan and Hungduan in Ifugao, supporting recognition of ancestral domains, self-governance, and cultural rights for greater than 160 Indigenous communities nationwide.
After finishing a Grasp of Legal guidelines on the College of Melbourne as an Australia Awards scholar, his Re-Entry Motion Plan targeted on drafting a Tourism Code for Kiangan, emphasizing human rights and sustainability alongside financial growth.
He stated tourism should contemplate its impression on the surroundings and native communities, not simply charges or tour operations.
Internationally, Baguilat has represented Philippine indigenous peoples’ views in ASEAN and United Nations boards. Prior to now 12 months, he facilitated a dialogue at UP Legislation between IP communities and visiting UN consultants, together with the previous UN particular rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.
He additionally serves as a trustee of Indigenous Peoples Rights Worldwide, an nongovernmental group administering a authorized and sanctuary fund to fight the criminalization of IPs and enhance entry to justice.
The TOYM Award added to his recognitions, together with being a finalist for Amnesty Worldwide Philippines’ Most Distinguished Human Rights Defender Award. – Rappler.com
