Region 02 has started its Search for Makabagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan for CY 2013. During the 83rd Business Meeting of the RDC 2-Social Development Committee yesterday, 20 February, the mechanics for the selection of nine nominees were deliberated and a regional selection body was created.

The Regional Selection Body is composed of: Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and one Non-Government Organization, the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP).

Nominees shall be from Grade 3 to college level (three students from each level) and must belong to the top 5% of their class. Likewise, qualified candidates must be actively involved in any community activity or project, showing his/her commitment to the attainment of the school/ community, regional or national goals. Exemplar behaviors, conduct, values, interpersonal relationship skills, and leadership potential of the nominees will also be sought during the search. Every candidate must be willing to perform the duties and obligations attendant to being chosen as Bagong Rizal awardee.

Nominators must be a Filipino residing in the Philippines, a school, community (barangay) socio-civic organizations, religious groups, or government/non-government agencies.

Generation of forms started from February and last until April 1, 2013. Evaluation will begin on April 2, 2013. The nominees will be endorsed by the RDC 2 in mid-April and will be submitted to the Philippine Center for Gifted Children, Inc. (PCGE).

The Search for Makabagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan is a biennial activity in observance to the birthday of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It aims to recognize the values and commitment exemplified by Rizal through the modern youth of this generation. In CY 2011, three of the RDC 2 nominees were among the 35 national winners.