2 Central Visayas graduates among 10 outstanding students of Philippines

CEBU, Philippines — Two Magna Cum Laude graduates from Central Visayas were among the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) awardees for 2017.

Alex Bajarias of the University of San Carlos and Ronald Mainit Calamba of the University of Bohol received the award at the Malacañang last Monday.

Bajarias finished a degree in Business Administration while Calamba graduated with a Civil Engineering degree.

“Other than striking a balance in academic, leadership and social impact achievements, I believe what matters the most is consistency with how one puts to action his/her aspirations for self, the community and the country,” said Bajarias.

He also encouraged the young individuals to never seek recognition for prestige or personal interest.

Calamba, for his part, considers the award both a challenge and a privilege.

“Having been awarded as one of the TOSP for 2017 is not just a privilege but also a big challenge for us to continue in building a better working Philippines. I feel so blessed and grateful to be part of a family who shared the same vision and who could help us in our advocacies,” he said.

Region 7 had four national finalists for the Batch 2017. But only Bajarias and Calamba emerged as champions.

The other two graduates were from the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Each year, a college or university nominates at most three of its best graduates. The nominees are being judged in terms of their performance on three areas, namely: academic, leadership, and social responsibility.

A panel of screeners from diverse fields of expertise chooses a maximum of 20 regional finalists, who will be trimmed down to top10.

Each region in the country will submit the bid books of their regional champions.  But only 30 will become the national finalists and join the national formation, which serves as a pre-event before the national judging.

The annual screening for the top 10 students would take over a year.

At present, the search for this year’s regional TOSP finalists is ongoing. (FREEMAN)