Abdulgafur Kudarat, a Sangir-Maranao and Jocelyn Lambac, a Maguindanaon, together with Donald Louie Monteclaro, received trophies and gift checks last as reward for being named General Santos City youth achievers.
Kudarat and Lambac, president and vice-president of the Young Moro Professionals Council (YMPC) respectively, said the award proved that there is opportunity for minorities to excel.
"We are trying our best to become 'catalyst of change' so our fellow Moro youth will emulate what we are doing," Kudarat, a former congressional fellow, pointed out.
"This recognition we received is a challenge and will drive us to further our contribution, serving our fellowmen," he added.
The two, through YMPC, have been involved in reaching out to Muslim inmates and orphans, providing them food, clothes and inspiring others to remain hopeful and be useful citizens in society.
Their group has also provided free tutorials to Muslim graduating high school students from Sarangani to help them pass college scholarship exams.
Monteclaro, a college instructor, also said, "failures and frustrations come in our way, but with wisdom, right decisions, hard work and integrity, anyone can succeed in life."