AS A student, having an advocacy is going the extra mile.
It truly is for the 10 most outstanding student leaders in Central Visayas who were recognized for their exemplary performance not only in academics but in leadership and social responsibility as well.
They will all bid to become part of the national level of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) 2019 to be held on the last quarter of this year.
In a forum last May 29, 2019, two of them shared their personal stories and how they have developed their love for service.
It took a personal experience for Edward Aniñon, of the University of the Visayas, to discover his advocacy for the Out-of-School Youth (OSY).
“I was inspired by my dad. When he was still alive, he made it easier for me to study by supporting me. When he died, that’s the time I felt I was less privileged. It was also the time I realized my passion to OSY” Aniñon said in Cebuano.
For Japhet Suson, of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, it was his family who inspired him to volunteer for various initiatives in and out of the university. “I always have this sense of value for family. My parents have always told me that if you want to serve and help, don’t ask for something in return,” said Suson.
The TOSP, founded and organized by Jose Concepcion Jr., is already in its 58th year of search ing for outstanding graduating college students from all over the country.
The other eight awardees were June Jan Genelsa and Denxybel Montinola, both from the University of San Carlos, Marc Lennard Colina and Niño Jan Miole of the University of Cebu-Banilad, Shyra Marie Miñoza and Janryl Tan from UC Main Campus, Lester Toledo from the Cebu Institute of Tecnology-University and Carlisle Naudyn Caroro of Siliman University. Unfortunately, none from Siquijor have made it to the top 10 this year.
Erlyn Ivy Rago, a member of TOSP 7’s executive committee for this year’s TOSP search, said that they had a meticulous deliberation before coming up with the top 10.
“The TOSP regional screening committee did not just go through the applicants’ bid book but also went through the finalist’s stories during an interview,” she said. The TOSP regional screening committee is represented by experts in the fields of Engineering, Medicine, Education, Humanities and Business and Accounting.
This year’s TOSP-CV has 36 nominees represented by 24 colleges and universities in the region; only 20 advanced in the regional judging and interview.
More than the cash prize, the gift of community and the journey they will have with the TOSP alumni is the biggest benefit for its awardees.
“The journey of TOSP starts after the awarding ceremony. They journey with us, they have their ‘ates’ and ‘kuyas’ that can help and collaborate with them in their advocacy and the network in the community,” Rago said.
These, according to Suson and Aniñon, are the real highlights of their TOSP journey. (WBS)