After a seven-year absence, the search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) has returned to Central Visayas, with eight graduates from Cebu and Bohol seeking recognition as the region’s three representatives in the national competition.
The candidates earned their places in the regional finals after organizers screened 16 nominees endorsed by higher education institutions across the region.
Their credentials include academic performance, leadership experience and involvement in community initiatives, which organizers consider alongside their commitment to social responsibility.
Felix III Mosqueda, chairperson of the TOSP Alumni Community, said fewer candidates entered this year’s regional search compared with previous cycles.
Organizers opened nominations in June and extended the deadline to Aug. 30 to encourage more schools to participate. The program requires educational institutions to endorse candidates, as individual applicants cannot submit their names directly through the TOSP portal.
The regional competition last took place in 2019. Its return followed changes in the country’s basic education system that affected college graduation schedules and the eligibility of prospective nominees.
The eight candidates completed a two-day formation workshop on Nov. 12 and 13 ahead of their interview and assessment by the regional panel on the morning of Nov. 14.
Joslyn Canon, regional champion of the 59th Search for TOSP Region VII Regional Executive Committee, said the process starts with nominations from schools before invited professionals assess the candidates.
To qualify, nominees must have graduated in 2026, have no failing grades and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, social responsibility and good moral values.
Judges will examine their accomplishments, leadership backgrounds and community service through interviews and other assessment activities.
The regional panel will select three candidates to represent Central Visayas in the national screening, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The nationwide search will eventually produce 10 awardees who will be recognized at Malacañang Palace.
The eight nominees come from seven universities in Cebu and Bohol. They are Athena Ella G. Antepuesto and Caryl Tricia C. Calinawan of the University of the Philippines Cebu; Kurt Bhen M. Casero of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Geijz J. Narciso and Mona Crissa A. Tumulak of University of Cebu-Banilad; Maxine Alessandra F. Pabracuer of the University of San Carlos; Shelly Ryn M. Saligumba of Holy Name University; and Suzane Anne Kirshinne A. Susas of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Their causes range from women’s rights, workers’ welfare and accessible education to responsible mining, indigenous community development, healthcare access, inclusive education, disaster-resilient infrastructure and economic empowerment.
Beyond their academic backgrounds, the finalists have engaged in community organizing, volunteer work, research, student governance and other service initiatives.
Concepcion established TOSP on June 19, 1961, to recognize students who pair academic achievement with leadership and meaningful contributions to society. The program’s founding coincided with the birth centenary of national hero Jose Rizal.
The annual search stopped following the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 before organizers revived it in 1989. Central Visayas entered the regional competition in 1994.
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