Organizers of the 2025 Search for The Outstanding Filipino (Tofil) Awards are calling for more nominations from Mindanao, especially the Davao Region, as they continue their regional campaign to spotlight homegrown excellence.
“We want more representation from Mindanao,” said Rey Felix Rafols, national chairman of the 2025 Tofil Awards, during the regional media launch held Wednesday, July 30, at Business Class in Davao City. “There are so many outstanding Filipinos here. Nominate your mentors, your role models—we want to hear their stories.”
Annie Candari, JCI Senate Philippines' national vice president for 2025, shared that their team has been traveling across Mindanao to promote the awards and encourage participation.
“We visited Ozamiz, Misamis, Lanao, and Pagadian before heading to Davao,” Candari said. “We know there are many inspiring Mindanaoans who deserve national recognition. Even among the IP communities here in Davao, we believe there are individuals worthy of a Tofil award.”
Since the awards’ inception in 1988, only a few Mindanaoans have received the prestigious recognition, according to Franco Luwig Lopez, president of JCI Senate Davao del Norte. "That needs to change. There should be more," Lopez said.
The Tofil Awards, now supported by the Ropali Group of Companies, honor Filipinos aged 41 and above whose integrity, excellence, and service have left a lasting impact on the nation.
Since 1988, the Tofil Awards have celebrated exceptional Filipinos aged 41 and above who lead with excellence, serve with integrity, and make meaningful contributions to nation-building. Every year, the awards honor individuals who have elevated their professions and created a lasting impact in their communities. Past TOFIL awardees include pioneers and changemakers in government, education, business, social development, and other vital sectors.
The Tofil Awards are open to all Filipino citizens—whether natural-born, naturalized, or dual citizens—who are at least 41 years old and possess good moral character. Nominees must have made significant contributions to their field, public welfare, or the country’s development.
JCI Philippines’ TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) honorees may only be nominated under a dedicated category. Individuals awarded a JCI Senatorship are eligible for nomination, except current members of the JCI Senate Philippines national board and former national presidents. Meanwhile, individuals who have been named National Artists or National Scientists are not eligible for the TOFIL Awards.
Nominees may come from various sectors, including government, private industry, the academic community, non-government and civil society organizations (NGOs and CSOs), as well as past TOYM honorees—both men and women.
To nominate, submit the following: a completed nomination form, PSA-issued birth certificate, NBI and police clearances, a formal portrait, a two-page executive summary, and a detailed portfolio of achievements and contributions.
All entries must be submitted in both hard copy and electronic format by August 23, 2025. Valid nominations will be acknowledged by August 31, 2025. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Nominees will be evaluated through a rigorous selection process guided by the JCI Creed, with emphasis on personal integrity, service to humanity, and contributions to national progress.
For full guidelines and nomination forms, visit https://tofil.org or email the TOFIL Search Committee at awards@tofil.org. MLSA
