Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero made it to the roster of 24 young achievers from South Asia this year, as announced recently by the World Economic Forum based in Geneva, Switzerland.

"It is a privilege to be representing the Philippines in this community of young achievers," said the senator. "This is good news considering the current political turmoil that certainly has affected the performance of the senate."

This honor is given each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top 200 to 300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

The Young Global Leaders for 2008 include 121 business leaders, as well as leaders from government, academia, the media and society-at-large from 65 countries.

Along with Escudero in this year’s list of young achievers are prominent personalities like tennis star Steffi Graf, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper, Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuck, Morocco Queen Lala Salma, Harvard Law School director Daniel Shapiro, and Neiman Marcus Group chief executive Brendan Hoffman.

The senator shares the honor with Iliac Diaz, who’s no stranger in the showbiz circle as he appeared in a couple of movies, along with cousin Robin da Rosa. His father, artist Ramon Diaz is a brother of former Miss Universe titleholder, now movie actress Gloria Diaz.