Interview response from a multi-awardee from a state university. Meet Ed, summa cum laude, University of Bohol. That’s Hanz Denzil, magna cum laude, Silliman University. Listen to Richard, multi-awarded student leader, Negros Oriental State University. That’s Jessie Lou, cum laude, University of the Visayas. Meet Adriel, summa cum laude, University of San Jose-Recoletos. Their honesty proved too much for us judges. At various moments, we either hurriedly reached for a hankie, or drank water to force the lump back down our throat. Their depth of experience, wisdom beyond their years, and sensitivity to others’ needs rang so authentic, you could hardly believe they were teenagers or just out of college. Together with 14 others, they were the nominees for the 2015 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), Region 7. So there we were, all five judges privileged to read their voluminous bid books capturing their achievements inside and outside of school. Competitions in 10 regions will eventually run up to the final choice of 10 awardees this July, from a total base of 120 nominees for 2015. Assessment criteria are academic performance, responsible and exemplary leadership, social responsibility, solidity of values, and personality. TOSP has actually been around for the last 37 years, steadfast in its search for and recognition of young students who have contributed to nation building. The brainchild of businessman and civic leader Jose Concepcion, TOSP was set up in 1961 to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal. When martial rule was declared in 1972, TOSP went into hiatus, but re-emerged in 1989 after the return of democracy under the Corazon Aquino leadership. TOSP awardees eventually continued their mission of nation building in their professional and personal lives, some participating in national and local governance like Ched chair Patricia Licuanan, lawyer Ricardo “Dong” Puno, the late senator Raul Roco, and his wife Sonia. Inspiring others is equally noteworthy. “I’m here not for the award, but to tell my story.” Hear it from Hermilo, cum laude, Holy Name University. Echaves: Awards plus | Sun.Star Interesting article about some of the outstanding students in the the Philippines.
