Palace honors RP’s top students Thursday

MANILA, July 1 (PNA) –- Malacañang will honor the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) during ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of the Palace on Thursday, July 2, at 9 a.m.

They will be honored by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who will be represented by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, according to a Malacanang announcement.

The TOSP is an annual recognition program that honors graduating college students who have not only excelled academically, but have also dedicated their talents and leadership abilities in making a difference by becoming socially involved in their respective communities, organizations and fields of interest, for the greater good of their constituents and members.

The TOSP dates back when businessman Jose S. Concepcion Jr., then the publisher of Student Life Magazine, envisioned an annual recognition of outstanding students.

Launched on June 19, 1961, in time with 100th birthday of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, the event had been held annually until Martial Law was declared in 1972. It was relaunched in 1989 and continues to celebrate, affirm, and inspire and champion the noble and enduring spirit of the Filipino youth.

The search has expanded since 1994 and embarked on regional searches so that students in the regions can closely identify themselves with role models selected from their immediate environment.

This year’s national finalists are: Jeella Zara Acedo (University of the Philippines Los Banos, BS Agricultural Chemistry); Shayne Pagulayan Adduru (St. Paul University of the Philippines, BS Accountancy); Thermina Ann Lontoc Akram (Far Eastern University, AB Mass Communication); Stacy Danika Sia Alcantara (Silliman University, AB Mass Communication); Stephen Alexeus Gorgonio Baltazar (University of San Carlos, BS Accountancy); Benedicto Ilacad Bautista (University of Northern Philippines, BS Education); Aidel Paul Garcia Belamide (University of the Philippines Los Banos, BA); Jesse Reuben Monang Bestre (STI College–Baguio, BS Computer Science);

Rubie Anne Gabutin Bito-on (West Visayas State University, BS Information Technology); Emerose Katrina Abetong Blancada (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, BS Tourism); Marie Nickie Hontucan Bolos (University of Bohol, BS Computer Science); Stephen Michael Hao Co (Ateneo de Manila University, BS Biology); Ann Bernaldez Crusit (University of Bohol, BS Education); Ahmad Moxcir Domado (Mindanao State University Marawi, BS Zoology);

Keshia Lourdes Larumbe Duyongco (Ateneo de Manila University, BS Health Sciences); Fleur-del-liz Berlin Ayson Estomo (Assumption College, BSC Media Production); Marvin Mira Flores (Silliman University, BS Physics); Roger Montepio Flores (Philippine Military Academy, BS Naval Science); Wilmer Cuevas Friales (Notre Dame of Marbel University, BS Education); Jemuel Barrera Garcia Jr. (West Visayas State University, BS Education); Miguel Antonio Barreto Garcia (University of San Carlos, AB Economics); Carlos Ramos Gerogalin Jr. (West Negros University, BS Education);

Paul John Basubas Gesta (University of Cebu, BSC Management); John Stephen Tiongson Humiwat (Saint Mary’s University, BS Nursing); Mark Ramon Victor Bahan Llanes (San Pedro College, BS Nursing); Adrian Clark San Pascual Mundin (Ateneo de Manila University, BS Management Engineering); Joseph Angelou Ilagan Ng (De La Salle Lipa, BS Nursing); Jamie Espiritu Pring (University of the Philippines Diliman, BA Political Science); Ryan Jay Yong Riconalla (St. Paul University Dumaguete, BS Education);

Richard Deanne Concepcion Sagun (University of La Salette, BS Education); John Paul Halili Sibug (Far Eastern University East Asia College, BS Computer Science); and Nicole Marie Regner Villarojo (De La Salle University, BSC Marketing Management & AB Economics).

The 33 national finalists coming from different regions in the country were invited to Manila for a week-long itinerary of activities starting June 26, including a weekend in Tagaytay for a formation program sponsored by The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community.