BAGUIO CITY — The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines-Cordillera Administrative Region (TOSP-CAR) of 2019 were recognized in the regional awarding ceremony on Monday (July 15).
The awardees are Shyla B. Alsaen and Shereen F. Padchonga from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Joseph Q. Dimmic Jr. from Ifugao State University, Marcial M. Etong from Cordillera Career Development College, Cariza Mae C. Ferrer from University of Baguio, Vel Christian L. Castillo and Dianalyn P. Santos from Saint Louis University, Brendon B. Bangco-og, Kenjo Ernesto S. Bay-an, and Gabriel S. Tugbo from Benguet State University (BSU).
They were chosen from among 20 finalists from different private higher education institutions and state universities and colleges (SUCs) who showed exemplary performance in academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility.
The students were evaluated by the TOSP-CAR regional executive committee, screening personnel from different offices, and selected judges.
The Outstanding Students in the Cordillera Administrative Region (OSCAR) Alumni Community Inc. also conducted a formation program which served as an avenue for the students to further develop their leadership skills and strengthen solidarity among them.
The Top 10 OSCAR finalists will represent CAR in the 58th National TOSP.
Tugbo, one of the three TOSP-CAR awardees from BSU, believes that they were able to receive multiple awards because of the continuous support from the university and their mentors who guided and trained them all throughout process.
“It is already a great honor for us three to be chosen as BSU’s representatives in the TOSP-CAR. Without their help, we wouldn’t be here today. Our experiences in our own communities and the OSCAR community who cherished us as individuals became our drive in accomplishing these awards,” he said.
Guest Speaker Second Lt. Leonardo Visaya Jr. expressed gratitude to the SUCs and private institutions which encouraged these students to represent their schools and provided them with resources necessary for them to excel.
Visaya, a member of the OSCAR Alumni Community Inc., assured the finalists that the OSCAR Community will always serve as their inspiration to continue to give back to their communities and become examples for the future generations of students who will become part of the community.
The OSCAR Alumni Community Inc. is celebrating its 25th Founding Anniversary and invites everyone to the Kabayanihan ng Kabataan Forum which will be held on August 27, 2019. **JDP/JBZ- PIA-CAR /Zoe Ramores-UP intern
