Rappler’s Patricia Evangelista wins Devex award

MANILA, Philippines — They include public servants, scientists, journalists, professors and entrepreneurs, and they are the next generation of leaders in the development community.

This is according to Devex, the world’s largest community of aid and development professionals.

On Tuesday, Feb 19, 2013, Devex will award 40 individuals “selected based on their influence on the development agenda and impact on development results in the Philippines and abroad” at the new Zuellig Building in Makati City.

The awardees include 27-year-old Patricia Evangelista, Rappler’s multimedia reporter.

Sponsored by Chevron, Manila 40 Under 40 program follows similar events in Washington D.C. in 2010 and London in 2011, this time honoring the top 40 global development leaders in the Metro Manila area who are under 40 years of age.

“The Philippines is home to an extremely dynamic and vibrant international development community driving change both at home and abroad,” said Devex Manila Director Pete Troilo. “The young and committed development talent here deserves this recognition. We couldn’t be more proud to have selected the Philippines as the first emerging country to host this event.”

Over 250 candidates were assessed in a rigorous review process after public nominations were opened in December 2012. The selection community is composed of Troilo, Philippine Business for Social Progress Executive Director Rafael Lopa, American Chamber of Commerce Philippines Senior Adviser John Forbes, Rappler Editor-at-Large Marites Dañguilan-Vitug, and Applied Planning & Infrastructure, Inc. Chairman Richard Hirsch.

The awardees will join the ranks of previous Devex 40 Under 40 winners including USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women CEO Henriette Kolb, Google’s Jared Cohen, and Obama Administration Senior Foreign Policy Advisor Samantha Power. – Rappler.com