3 Ateneans awarded as TOSP-Reg’l champs

Just before the awarding ceremony, their concerns seemed so far away.

But as of now, Leonardo Javier V. Rugeria, Ludel Maiello S. Mier and Marymon Severina Q. Florendo who were declared as the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) – Region V winners are just a few steps away from being TOSP-National titleholders.

Graduated last March 2013, they received various awards for excelling in academics, social responsibility and leadership activities.

”Through their personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and deep sense of social responsibility, anchored on good moral values,” they have now the chance to represent Bicol at the national level.

Eight students competed for the regional search, seven of them coming from Naga – Ateneo de Naga University, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), University of Sta. Isabel and Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) and one from Albay – Divine Word College.

The TOSP awards program is considered as the “most prestigious award for young role models of the country.” Commemorating the 100th birthday of Jose Rizal, Mr. Jose S. Concepcion, Jr. launched the award-giving body on 19 June 1961.

“The Search is open to bona fide graduating student of the current academic year from a first baccalaureate degree, Doctor of Medicine or Bachelor of Laws degrees without failing grades. The nominee should be a Filipino citizen not more than 30 years old, of excellent moral character, and without any record of criminal conviction or unfavorable disciplinary case in school.” (tospac.org)

The Hunt
“TOSP is an opportunity to create a network and support-system with your fellow youth leaders and at the same time and more importantly, rekindle the fire of nation building and service in an individual's heart,” shared Mier.

Meanwhile, the eight finalists underwent a selection process consisting of paper screening and panel interview. The application started first week of April and results were released in the first week of May.

Having prepared their bid books, containing information on academic achievements, leadership engagements and social involvements plus essays and recommendation forms, the candidates also attended a four-day formation held at University of Saint Anthony last 16-19 May 2013.

Organizing the board of judges, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Region V proclaimed three Atenean nominees as well as John Paul Taday of UNC as victors last 21 May 2013 held at the MPCF in Rawis, Albay.

Battle Anew
Being made possible through RFM Foundation in cooperation with CHED, National Book Store, PLDT, and TOSP Alumni Community, TOSP 2013 (according to Florendo) will be announcing the national nominees on 22 June.

It can be recalled that Entrepreneurship graduate and Mr. Kenkoy’s manager Daniel Philip Dy won in the said search last year. For the record, Ateneo had eight TOSP awardees already in the entire run of the said search.

According to Mier, the Office of Student Affairs is helping them out in making their documents competitive.

“Being recognized in TOSP or in any search simply becomes a cherry on top of your ice cream - an optional add-on which even without it, you're still satisfied and happy,” imparted Mier.

On one hand, Rugeria voiced out that he is not expecting very much in making it to the nationals but he will face the challenge if ever it comes.

”I believe I have a strong chance but I try to lower my expectations, kasi it’s sweeter when things come when you least expect them,” revealed Rugeria.