One of ABS CBN’s respected young journalists – who’s currently part of The Correspondents, Adrian Ayalin has recently bagged the 2006 Lasallian Scholarum Award. He won for his feature story on youth and education titled, "Tugdaan". Meanwhile Gigi Grande, another ABS CBN Correspondent was also a finalist for her "Kayod Eskwela" and "Text on Air" documentaries.

Ayalin’s winning documentary focuses on "Tugdaan", a high school being run by the Mangyan community of Paitan, Oriental Mindoro. The Assisi Foundation headed by Ben Abadiano has been providing assistance to the group. Through this school 200 young Mangyans have been educated about the importance of one’s environment and culture. The school also aims to open the minds of the students as well as continually enrich and broaden their views on these issues.

Ayalin was able to cleverly weave a tale that is not only empowering but he was also able to pose a challenge for the government – to provide quality education for people in far-off areas.

The 2006 Lasallian Scholarum Award is an annual journalism competition which honors the media for its outstanding coverage of the youth and education. The award aims to generate awareness among various sectors including the government as well as private organizations to be actively involved in addressing the critical issues concerning the youth, particularly their education.

This year's board of judges included 2006 National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera; Chichi Fajardo, senior lecturer, Communication Department, Ateneo de Manila University; Isagani Cruz, Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame Awardee; Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City; Jose Mari Magpayo, Managing and Creative Director, Creasia Inc.; Ramon Osorio, President, Campaigns Advocacy and PR, Inc.; and former Senator Vicente Paterno, Chairman of the Board, Philippine Seven Corporation.

For more thought-provoking and socially relevant documentaries don’t forget to watch, The Correspondents every Tuesday nights right after Bandila.