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MANILA, Philippines — Ten most outstanding students of the Philippines were awarded by President Benigno Aquino III in the Heroes Hall in Malacañang on Thursday, August 2.
- Kenneth Isaiah Abante (Cum laude, BS Management Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University)
- Angelita Bombarda (Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology, De La Salle University)
- Jerome David (BS Industrial Management Engineering, De La Salle University)
- John Michael Dellariarte (Magna cum laude, Political Science; Doctor of Medicine, Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine)
- Daniel Philip Dy (Cum laude, BS Business Administration, Ateneo de Naga University)
- Jay-R Mendoza (Magna cum laude, BS Education Major in Mathematics, University of Rizal System)
- Ruthell Moreno (Summa cum laude, Bachelor in Special Education, West Visayas State University)
- Maria Janua Polinar (Magna cum laude, BA Political Science, Central Mindanao University)
- Kurt Gerrard See (Suma cum laude, BS in Applied Economics, De La Salle University)
- Juan Carlo Tejano (Magna cum laude, BA Political Science, University of the Philippines – Diliman)
In a speech delivered on behalf of this year’s awardees, Abante said, “We are everyday heroes in education, in the health, in the environment, in business and entrepreneurship, in technology, in the government , in the media. There is so much to be done, but our hearts are in the right place. Everywhere, there are challenges to overcome. And today, in this hall of the national hero himself, we commit a ‘bayani’ (heroic) way of life.”
“Not very far from us are children plowing the farm, or selling sampaguita, instead of learning in school. Somewhere, children are risking their own safety to get a chance at education. As a response, we commit to courageously take part in molding the future generation of ethical leaders, ingenious innovators, and dynamic changemakers,” Abante said.
Fight against poverty
The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) award was established in 1961 in commemoration of the 100th birthday of Jose Rizal. It became an annual citation until Martial Law was declared in 1972. It was revived in 1989 when democracy was restored.
“We now stand at a unique point in Philippine history. We cannot afford to fail,” Jose Concepcion Jr, founder of the award and chairman of the RFM Foundation, challenged the 10 young awardees and 20 other national finalists.
Concepcion’s son, RFM President and CEO Joey Concepcion said, “The biggest problem of our country is poverty, and each and every one of you will have a role in that fight.”
President Benigno Aquino III together with the Concepcions and Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan led in giving the awards.
In a light moment during the awarding ceremony, TOSP awardee Maria Janua Polinar, a former New People’s Army (NPA) fighter who graduated cum laude from the Central Mindanao University, kissed Aquino, eliciting laughter and giggles from the audience.
Aquino recognized how the young leaders have started to fulfill their roles as agents of social transformation in their chosen fields. But he reminded them, “If you think you have advanced so far, do not forget that you are standing on the shoulders of those who came before you.”
The TOSP award has produced outstanding leaders in the fields of governance, business, the academe, church and civil society, including former senators Rene Saguisag, Raul Roco, and former finance secretary Ramon del Rosario. – Rappler.com
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