TOSP NCR 2009 | Batch Anahaw

Congratulations to the members of the

2009 The Outstanding Students of National Capital Region!

TOSP NCR 2009 BATCH ANAHAW

Thermina Ann L. Akram

(Far Eastern University AB Mass Communication)

Ariel G. Almoite

(Far Eastern University BS Education major in General Science)

Terese Ray-Anne O. Aquino

(St. Paul University Quezon City AB Mass Communication major in Broadcast Communication)

Mary Ann R. Aure

(St. Scholastica's College BS Biology)

Marika Vianna Q. Bernardo

(Assumption College BS Management)

Stephen Michael H. Co

(Ateneo De Manila University BS Biology)

Mariefe Del Mundo

(Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bachelor in Cooperatives)

Ricardo C. Domingo, Jr.

(University of the East Caloocan BS Electronics & Communications Engineering)

Keshia Lourdes L. Duyongco

(Ateneo De Manila University BS Health Sciences)

Camille Veronica V. Esquejo

(St. Scholastica's College BS Accountancy)

Fleur-Del-Liz A. Estomo

(Assumption College Bachelor in Communication maj. in Media Production)

Karyl Anne B. Factora

(De La Salle University BS Physics)
Kristine D. Javier

(Centro Escolar University BS Computer Science & Information System)

Adrian Clarc S.P. Mundin

(Ateneo De Manila University BS Management Engineering)

Jamie E. Pring

(University of the Philippines Diliman BA Political Science)

Edward Jay M. Quinto

(Centro Escolar University AB Mass Communication major in Journalism)

John Paul H. Sibug

(Far Eastern University - East Asia College BS Computer Science)

Karen A. Tan Karen A. Tan

(Centro Escolar University BS Business Administration)

Herazeus Christine Y. Uy

(University of Sto. Tomas AB Legal Management)

Nicole Marie R. Villarojo

(De La Salle University BSC Marketing Management & AB Economics)

Who would comprise TOSP NCR Batch 2009?

Deadline of nominations for the

2009 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines - National Capital Region is on
3 April 2009, Friday.

LEARN. LEAD. SERVE for life.

Photo: TOSP NCR 2008 with JCJ, MCY & alumni from previous batches

YH09 Participating Institutions

Abraham Dumlao Colleges of the Philippines
ACSAT Alabang
AMA Las Piñas
AMA School of Nursing
AMA University
Arellano University
Asia Pacific College
Assumption College
Ateneo De Manila University
Central Colleges of the Philippines
Centro Escolar University
City of Malabon University
College of the Holy Spirit Manila
De La Salle University
Dr. Carlos Lanting College
Enderun College
Far Eastern University Manila
FEATI University
Far Eastern University - East Asia College
Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation
Flight School International
Informatics College - Eastwood Campus
Informatics International College
Jose Rizal University
JP Sioson General Hospital & Colleges
La Consolacion College - Novaliches
Lyceum Alabang
Manila Business College
Manila Central University
Manila Doctors College
Metropolitan Hospital College of Nursing
Navotas Polytechnic College
Olivarez College
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela
Pasig Catholic Colleges
Pateros Technological College
PATTS College of Aeronautics
Philippine Normal University
Philippie Women's University
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila
Republican College
St. Francis Divine College
St. John Berchmans School of Manila Foundation
St. Paul University Quezon City
St. Rita Hospital College of Nursing
St. Scholastica's College
Sta. Catalina College Manila
STI Fairview
STI Marikina
STI Shaw
Technological Institute of the Philippines Manila
Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon City
Technological University of the Philippines Taguig
The Manila Times College
University of Sto. Tomas
University of the East Manila
University of Asia & the Pacific
University of the East Caloocan
University of the Philippines Diliman
Villagers Montessori College

YH09: PLDT Innolab Building Map

PLDT Innolab Building, Dansalan, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong

Note: Click on the map to view full image.

Call for Facilitators: Youth Hours 2009

Dear TOSPAC Friends,

It's Youth Hours once again!

For those who are not familiar yet with Youth Hours, YH is an annual youth formation workshop on academic and professional excellence, leadership, and social responsibility for NCR student leaders. Last year, YH was participated in by around 250 students and school administrators from all over Metro Manila.

This year's theme is "Now What?: Actualizing the Youth's Role in Nation-Building". Ms. Sonia Roco will be the keynote speaker and she will talk on the topic "Reflections of the Past: My Role in Nation-Building as a Youth Leader". In response to this, Ms. Pamela Asis-Layugan will be presenting her "Reflections of the Present: Mobilizing Youth Leaders Towards Nation-Building" .

This will be on March 7, 2009, from 8:00AM-7:00PM @ PLDT Teletech, Mandaluyong City.

With this, we are looking for 40 alumni-facilitators who will be joining us the whole day and will handle the afternoon sessions/modules.

As facilitators, you are required to attend the Facilitators' Training and Dry-Run slated on March 1, 2009, from 9:00AM-5:00PM @ RFM Lanai, RFM Corporate Center, Mandaluyong City.

Please note: If you fail to attend these two important sessions, your slot as YH facilitator will be forfeited.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! For confirmations, please send John Paul Uminga (Secretary, NCR Chapter) an SMS at 09156400656.

We'll be expecting your confirmations!

Thanks friends!

Cheers,

Paul Andrew Gorgonio
Chair, NCR Chapter

Youth Hours 2009: An Invitation

February 4, 2009

Dear National Capital Region Higher Education Institutions,

Your institution is cordially invited to YOUTH HOURS 2009. This is an annual youth formation workshop on academic and professional excellence, leadership, and social responsibility. It will be held on March 7, 2009 (Saturday), from 8:00AM to 6:00PM at the PLDT Innolab Building, Dansalan, Mandaluyong City.

This annual event is hosted by The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community – National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter and The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), in cooperation with RFM Foundation, Inc., The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community, and the Commission on Higher Education-NCR.

With the theme, “Now What? Actualizing the Youth’s Role in Nation-Building”, this year’s YOUTH HOURS aims to:

1. ignite an action-oriented spirit in student-leaders;
2. provide a platform for reflection and discourse on the youth’s response to the signs of the times;
3. ask and answer the question: “Where and how do we channel our efforts?”, and
4. foster sustainable networking as a tool for youth leaders to come together from diverse backgrounds and actively participate in nation-building activities.

Attached to this invitation is a detailed list of activities for your reference.

We are inviting your school to send a maximum of two (2) students and one (1) school administrator, preferably the Dean of Student Affairs, to participate in this youth-engaging event. At least one (1) of the two (2) student representatives must be a graduating student who may represent the school in the 2009 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines – National Capital Region. For all student participants, minimum qualifications include the following:

· being a Filipino citizen, not more than 30 years old;
· having excellent moral character, i.e. without any record of criminal conviction;
· being a bona fide student of a bachelor’s degree for the current school year;
· being an outstanding student in academic, leadership, and socio-civic involvements, and
· having no failing grade throughout his/her entire college stint.

Definitely, your participants will learn a lot from the leadership testimonies and shared experiences on nation-building that the TOSP program espouses. Moreover, they shall be enthused to apply what they have learned in their respective schools and communities.

Please feel free to visit http://youthhours.multiply.com or you may contact us through:

Mr. John Paul Uminga (+63915) 6400656
RFM Foundation, Inc. (+632) 6318101 local 7806
TOSP-NCR Alumni Community jpcuminga@live.com

Mr. Paul Andrew S. Gorgonio (+63917) 9337953
TOSP-NCR Alumni Community paulandrew_gorgonio@yahoo.com

Ms. Darlene R. Tan (+63920) 9001684
TOSP Alumni Community (+632) 3840363
darlene_tan@yahoo.com

Should our invitation merit your positive response, please pre-register on or before February 23, 2009 by sending the names of your student representatives and accompanying school official through youth.hours@gmail.com or by contacting John Paul Uminga through the aforementioned numbers.

We look forward to seeing you on March 7, 2009. We are confident that your school’s participation will add great value to the programme.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely yours,

(sgd.)
Mr. Paul Andrew S. Gorgonio
President
TOSP Alumni Community-NCR Chapter

(sgd.)
Ms. Marie C. Young
President
RFM Foundation, Inc.

(sgd.)
Mr. Jose Antonio T. Valdez
Vice President – Retail Marketing
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company

TOSP 2009: Call for Nomination

Mabuhay!

We would like to inform you that the 2009 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) has officially started through the support of our partners, most especially the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

TOSP is an annual search which honors Outstanding Filipino Students in Malacañang started in 1961. In recognizing the best students, the annual TOSP search looks for graduating college students who not only have excelled academically, but have dedicated their talents and leadership abilities in making a difference and becoming socially involved in their respective communities, organizations and fields of interest, for the greater good of their constituents and members.

Colleges and universities in Regions II, III, V, VI, VII, CAR, and NCR are under
Regionalized Areas. Those situated in Regions I, IV-A, IV-B, VIII, IX, X and CARAGA,
XI, XII, XIII, and ARMM are under Non-Regionalized.

For Regionalized Areas, all duly accomplished nomination forms and supporting documents (bid books) should be submitted to their CHED Regional Office for Regional Screening; for Non-Regionalized
Areas, to the 2009 TOSP National Secretariat, c/o RFM Foundation, Inc., through their CHED Regional Office. For NCR, the deadline is on 3 April 2009, Friday. Further details are mentioned in the Awards Rules, page vi.

The entire nomination kit can be downloaded through the PLDT MyPad website,

http://www.mypad.net/tosp/index.aspx.

In starting the year, we hope to contribute to an optimistic environment, which we trust will infect the rest of the country. Submitting your nominees is enough reason to be positive and be hopeful. We can only imagine the rays of hope that emanate from all institutions that submit to our regional and directly to our national search.

To know more about the Search for 2009 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, you may also contact the TOSP National Secretariat in these numbers: (Telephone Number) (02) 6318101 local 7802 or 7806 or (Fax) (02) 6318101 local 7673 and look for Raffy Ortega, TOSP National Program Coordinator. You may also email us at tospnatsec@gmail.com.

We look forward with much anticipation in receiving your school nominations.

THE TOSP NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

______________________________________

TOSP is a commitment of RFM Foundation, Inc., RFM Corporation, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community, National Bookstore, and regional partners & sponsors.

TOSP NCR 2008 Snapshots

TOSP NCR Batch 2008 finalists pose for a photo opportunity with Mr. Jose Concepcion, Jr., RFM Foundation & RFM Corporation Chairman & TOSP Founder, Ms. Marie Concep

cion Young, RFM Foundation President, and some of the alumni.

TOSP Batch 2008's Awardees together with Mr. Jose Concepcion, Jr. & Ms. Marie Concepcion Young

TOSP NCR Esteemed Board of Judges

Finalists enjoy the courtesy luncheon meal with Mr. Jose Antonio Valdez (PLDT Vice-President for Retail Marketing), Champion of the Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines National Capital Region

Interview Phase

Finalists undergo a formation program spearheaded by TOSP Alumni Community

TOSP NCR 2008: Awardees & Finalists

The Outstanding Students of the Philippines

National Capital Region's Finest

BATCH 2008

1. Richardson Navor, University of the East Caloocan, BS Accountancy
2. Benjo Delarmente, University of the Philippines Manila, Doctor of Medicine
3. Marie Eugenie Dizon, Assumption College, BS Psychology
4. John Paul Uminga, Far Eastern University, AB English Language
5. Clark Cue, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management Engineering & AB Economics Honors
6. Timothy James Yusun, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Mathematics
7. Rafael Calinisin, Ateneo De Manila University, Doctor of Jurisprudence
8. Karl William Ramoso, Far Eastern University, BS Accountancy
9. Ian Kristoffer Zamora, Centro Escolar University, BS Business Administration
10. Norman Giovanni Guevarra, Technological Insitute of the Philippines, BS Chemical Engineering
11. Jim Trinidad, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Nursing
12. Warren Bacorro, University of Sto. Tomas, Doctor of Medicine
13. Jen Ang, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Industrial Engineering

TOSP NCR 2007: Awardees & Finalists

THE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

National Capital Region

BATCH 2007

The Awardees*

1. Roselle M. Hernandez, Adamson University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
2. Crystal Joy R. Calinawan, Assumption College, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
3. Luis Andres R. Abad, Ateneo De Manila University, Bachelor of Arts in Economics
4. Arjay P. Salvacion, Concordia College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
5. Herbert Klaus Martin C. Hallig, De La Salle University - Manila, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
6. Raymond Jay L. Mazo, Far Eastern University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
7. Joanah Eloisa A. Sigue, Jose Rizal University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
8. Vernadine S. Baritua, St. Scholastica's College, Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Management
9. Richard Kristoffer S. Manapat, University of the Philippines - Diliman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy
10. Diana T. Lachica, University of the Philippines - Manila, Doctor of Medicine

The Finalists*

1. Roland Glen T. Tuazon, Ateneo De Manila University, AB Communication
2. Mark Vincent B. Bendo, Philippine Christian University, BS Accountancy
3. King June Four C. Cruz, Philippine Normal University, BS Psychology
4. Ma. Elena R. Abundo, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Bachelor in Broadcast Communication
5. Luis Voltaire D. Formilleza, San Beda College - Manila, BS Legal Management
6. Harold Ceasar T. Verayo, San Beda College - Manila, BS Financial Management
7. Beatrix R. Syjuco, San Beda College - Alabang, AB Communication & Media Studies
8. Mikaela Irene D. Fudolig, University of the Philippines - Diliman
   BS Physics
9. Jadz Jevz V. Lee, De La Salle University Manila, BS Biochemistry
10. Wainwright S. Yu, De La Salle University Manila , AB Major in Philosophy & BS Accountancy

*Not in any significant order.

TOSP 1998-2006 [National Finalists from Metro Manila]

Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines: 2001-2006 National Finalists [Top 30], from the National Capital Region, as a Non-Regionalized Area*

(not in any significant order)

BATCH 2006

1. Fritzie Anne S. Jimenez, Concordia College, BS Nursing
2. Michael Vincent R. Uy, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Architecture
3. Cindy Stephanie C. Toh, De la Salle University, BA Psychology & BS Commerce Major in Applied Corporate Management
4. Karina Kellda M. Centeno, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management - Honors Program
5. Jennifer C. Fabros, Far Eastern University, BS Nursing
6. Maureen Emerald H. Valencia, University of the Philippines - Diliman, BS Business Administration, major in Marketing
7. Gian Carlo A. Carpio, University of the Philippines - Manila, BS Nursing
8. Erika Sales, Miriam College Foundation, BA International Studies

BATCH 2005

1. Jeffrey P. Mora, Far Eastern University, BS Chemistry
2. Joseph Patrick Echevarria, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Physics
3. Beauregard Grant Cheng, De La Salle University, BS Manufacturing Engineering Management
4. Kiran Tina Vaswani, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management Information System
5. Anna Theresa L. Licaros, University of the Philippines - Diliman, BA Broadcast Communication
6. Kip F. Oebanda, San Beda College, AB Development Economics
7. Jay-ar D. Sta. Ana, Far Eastern University, BS Nursing
8. Harold M. Bongbong, Centro Escolar University, BS Pharmacy

BATCH 2004

1. Alexander Edward C. Drilon, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
2. Charlotte Kendra G. Castillo, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Physics major in Philosophy
3. Karen Joy P. Nomorosa, De La Salle University, BS Computer Science major in Computer Engineering
4. Ruth Jade M. Canlas, Technological Institute of the Philippines, BS Chemical Engineering
5. Jennifer P. Teves, Assumption College, BS Psychology
6. Maida Marie A. Salcedo, University of the Philippines – Diliman, BS Business Economics
7. Vanessa Christine Y. Lacuesta, University of the East - RMMC, Doctor of Medicine
8. Tanglaw A. Roman, De La Salle University, BS Physics major in Computer Electronics
9. Nicklaus Erick C. Sy, De La Salle University, BS Chemical Engineering

BATCH 2003

1. Mark Anthony Sandoval, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
2. Marc Louie Del Rosario, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
3. Joel L. Panugayan, De La Salle University, BS ECE
4. Genesis Tan, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Electrical Engineering
5. Carlo Angelo Licuanan, De La Salle University, BS Accountancy & Applied Economics
6. Stephanie Sunshine Sy, De La Salle University, BS Accountancy & Applied Economics
7. Paul Andrew Gorgonio, University of the Philippines – Diliman, BA Political Science
8. Edson Tandoc, Jr., University of the Philippines – Diliman, BA Journalism
9. Timothy Joseph Orillaza, University of the Philippines – Manila, BS Biology
10. Jaymie Claire Ang, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Biology

BATCH 2002

1. Ryan C. Guinaran, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
2. Carlos Alfonso Q. Santos, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
3. Sheryl L. De Guzman, Ateneo de Manila University, BS Management Engineering
4. Emmeline Y. Aglipay, De La Salle University, Bachelor of Arts in Economics
5. Arlene M. Maneja, University of Sto. Tomas, Bachelor of Laws
6. Dionne Marie S. Sanchez, University of the Philippines - Diliman, BS Business Administration & Accountancy
7. Christine S. Jao, De la Salle University, BS in Applied Economics & Accountancy
8. Earl Francis R. Sumile, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Nursing
9. Karen Kate O. David, University of the Philippines - Diliman, BS Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

BATCH 2001

1. Valerie S. Ku, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Chemical Engineering
2. Bryan Christopher N. Que, De La Salle University, BS Civil Engineering
3. Cheryl G. Uynicky, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management Information Systems
4. Katherine Anne Victoria D. Fernandez, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Bachelor of Music
5. Alvin A. Lorenzo, Far Eastern University, BS Biology
6. Alde Carlo P. Gavino, University of the Philippines – Manila, Doctor of Medicine
7. Johncy Rose M. Concepcion, University of the Philippines – Manila, BS Speech Pathology
8. Ma. Lourdes C. Gutirrez, FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Doctor of Medicine
9. Millette H. Romualdez, Centro Escolar University, Doctor of Optometry
10. Jamielyn R. Dela Cruz, University of the Philippines – Manila, BS Biology
11. Maria Theresa H. Santos, University of the Philippines – Manila, BS Biochemistry
12. Mary Jane M. Manalang, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Commerce
13. Francia P. Sales, Centro Escolar University, BS Computer Science
14. Karen L. Cua, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management Engineering
15. Niño Jesus B. Rañeses, University of Sto. Tomas , AB Legal Management
16. Roselle R. Ambubuyog, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Mathematics

BATCH 1999

1. Jennifer L. Solivas, University of the Philippines Manila, Doctor of Medicine
2. Patricia May M. Paz, Centro Escolar University, BS Pharmacy
3. Iree V. Velasco, Centro Escolar University, BS Nutrition & Dietetics
4. Leila H Castañeda, De La Salle University, BS Electronics & Communication Engineering
5. Edgar Q. Nobleza, University of Sto. Tomas, BS Architecture
6. Gregorio M. Nunag, Jr, San Beda College, BA Philosophy & HRD
7. Emmanuel G. Salazar, San Beda College, BA Philosophy & HRD
8. Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II, Ateneo De Manila University, BA Communication
9. Roel R. Acebedo, Centro Escolar University, BA Mass Communications
10. Yvonne C. Abayon, Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila, Bachelor of Secondary Education
11. Darlene Charmaine R. Tan, Assumption College, Bachelor of Secondary Education
12. Shelly Y. Yeh, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management
13. Garry Peterson K. Ng, University of the Philippines – Diliman, BS Business Administration & Accountancy
14. Jerry A. Lopez, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, BS Accountancy

BATCH 1998

1. Florante Joey A. Lateo, Jr., Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Doctor of Medicine
2. Romeo Angelo M. De Claro, University of the Philippines Manila, Doctor of Medicine
3. Anne Margot F. Aaron, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Physics
4. May T. Lim, University of the Philippines Diliman, BS Applied Physics
5. Kathy Louise B. Tan, Ateneo De Manila University, BS Management Engineering
6. Jason O. Carlos, Trace Computer College Makati, BS Chemical Engineering
7. Marcelo H. Bragado, Jr., San Beda College Manila, BA Economics
8. Ma. Margarita O. De Guzman, University of the Philippines Diliman, BS Accountancy

* Nominees from the Non-Regionalized Areas [NRA] in the Philippines immediately join the pool of nominees, subjected to National Screening.

* Database covers finalists from 1998-2006 only. [Note: TOSP was not conducted in 2000]. If you are a finalist yourself or would know of a finalist, kindly get in touch with the TOSPAC-NCR Executive Committee [tospncr@yahoo.com]. We are currently updating TOSP NCR Master List. Thank you.

TOSP Regionalization Scheme; Metro Manila (NCR) as a TOSP Regionalized Area

Conceptualized to encourage more participation from colleges and universities, the Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Region (TOSR) began in 1994. TOSP 'Regionalization Scheme' was piloted in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for Luzon, Region VII for the Visayas, and Region XI for Mindanao.

Through the regional searches, TOSP hopes to inspire Filipino students in every corner of the country. This is also built on the belief that the youth could closely identify themselves with role models present in their immediate environment.

The format of the Regional Search follows the National Program's. Thus, after the formation, the regional finalists are expected to face an estemeed panel of judges and await for the announcement of awardees.

At present, there are a total of six (6) regionalized areas as follow: Region II, Region III, Region V, Region VI, CAR & more recently, NCR.

TOSP-NCR DEBUTED IN 2007

Through the collaborative efforts of the RFM Foundation, Inc., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Commission on Higher Education NCR Office, TOSP Alumni Community and RFM Corporation, the National Capital Region was finally transformed into a 'TOSP regionalized area' starting 2007.

Unlike the previous years when nominees from the National Capital Region automatically joined the pool of hopefuls for the National Screening, NCR nominees starting 2007 have to undergo the rigid and competitive selection process conducted by the distinguished members of the Regional Screening Committee. From this pool of nominees, twenty are to be chosen as regional finalists. Prior to the interview and awarding proper, these regional finalists would undergo a leadership formation program organized by TOSP Alumni Community.

The Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines: The Inspiration & Brief History

He paved the way for nation-building when he did all that he could for his countrymen – from publishing books and poems to awaken their consciousness to the occurrences during the Spanish Era, to physically serving those who were fortunate enough to have met him during his short life. He died by firing squad, not for naught. He is Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the inspiration behind the TEN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (TOSP), a search founded by businessman Jose Concepcion, Jr., while he was still publishing Student Life Magazine.

Mr. Concepcion, in his desire to honor students who are exemplars and leaders in their own academic fields and in their contributions to society, established TOSP on June 19, 1961, the 100th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal, the embodiment of a model student who not only achieves academic citations, but also gives of himself to those in need. The Search was held annually until Martial Law was declared in 1972.

That was not the end of the road for TOSP though, for 1989 saw the re-launch of the Search with what has now been referred to as the revival batch. From then on, it has continued to celebrate, affirm, and champion the noble and enduring spirit of the Filipino youth who serves as a role model of academic excellence, exemplary leadership, good moral values, and socio-civic consciousness.

Mr. Concepcion’s vision of recognizing young role models became a continuing project of the RFM Foundation, Inc., the Commission on Higher Education, and the RFM Corporation, in cooperation with National Bookstore, and the TOSP Alumni Community. Recently, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company also joined the growing list of TOSP partners – groups and people who believe in the capacity and potential of the Search and its finalists and awardees to galvanize the youth into action.

Indeed, from its roots in 1961 to the present year, the Search has become a laboratory of leaders, producing outstanding contributors in the fields of governance, business, the academe, church and civil society. Among them are Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Bishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, Edna del Val Zapanta-Manlapaz, Atty. Rene Saguisag, Raul Roco, Sonia Malasarte-Roco, Vicky Pineda-Garchitorena, Atty. Dong Puno, Soledad Aquino-Hernando, Sec. Ramon del Rosario, Paco Sandejas, and Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ. They have made a difference in their respective fields of influence.

Nonetheless, the alumni of the younger batches are also slowly but surely carving their niches in the circles where they move – contributing time and energy to creative positive ripples that may someday turn into great waves of positive change and enlightenment.Indeed, there are many more regional and national finalists and awardees all over the globe who have done much for their fellowmen. From contributing to breakthrough researches in various fields and conducting capacity-building workshops involving different nations to helping students learn their lessons and deal with life’s challenges, the TOSP alumni have done it all for the purpose of living and spreading the TOSP Credo – learning, leading, and serving for life.

TOSP will once again be celebrated, affirmed and inspired this year and the years to come by shining examples of today’s youth as they continue to seek and galvanize their peers for nation-building.