Role models
We want to hear success stories, much more when these are products of challenges and hardships amid conflicting priorities. Generally, we learn and obtain stories from the grown-ups. But there are also success stories from our young, borne out from their selfless desire to share their time and competence to their fellow.
There are many success stories from young voices of the ten outstanding students in Region VII- Central Visayas. This is in line with the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), an innovative approach to recognizing young people's achievements, not only taking place within their school as part of their curriculum, but in a variety of community settings that take place outside their schools such as volunteering, youth work and active citizenship.
As it started in 1961, the Search has produced notable individuals in the fields of governance, business, the academe, church and civil society. Among them are Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Bishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, the late Sen. Raul Roco, Sec. Ramon del Rosario, and many others.
I had the chance to attend this year's awarding of the Central Visayas Regional TOSP last May 26, 2018 at the Sky Hall of SM Seaside. From UP Cebu, our very own Denzel Yorong has made it to the top 10.And as his adviser in the University of the Philippines Students Theatre Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE), I am proud to have witnessed his dedication to the promotion of local arts and culture. This is side by side with the academic demands as Mass Communication student under the College of Communication, Art and Design.
As UPSTAGE president, Denzel initiated various student activities that extended beyond the four walls of the classroom. He was also part of the delegation that went to Indonesia for a cultural presentation in an international culture and art festival. As student director, his short documentary titled Unscathed - a true story of the residents of Pasil about overcoming obstacles through strong faith and devotion to the child Jesus - won Best Director and Best Film Documentary in this year's Sinulog Film Festival, paralleled with other documentary veterans. I am so touched by Denzel's message to the youth: "Because I recognize my privilege. Serving is a social practice where I want to put my privilege in good use for the disadvantaged sectors."
From Bohol, Mater Dei College's De Marvy D. Bongato, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, has the fervor "to rekindle the hope of the less fortunate children and youths in the community to pursue their noble dreams, especially education, no matter what." In line with this, she organized several community outreach programs for less fortunate children. And so with the rest of the winners whose contribution to the society is anchored on championing the noble and enduring spirit of the Filipino youth who serve as role model of academic excellence, exemplary leadership, good moral values, and socio-civic consciousness.
Our country is inundated with challenges - be it political, social, and economic, among others - and so nation-building becomes more critical than ever. It is a journey that demands good leadership, passion and perseverance in the achievement of our nation's common goals. And it is in our outstanding youth that inspiration can be drawn from. Let their vigor be sustained by the kind of environment that does not only end with recognition but beyond. Because the true test of service is when we sustain and reach out to as far as those who are abandoned, marginalized and disadvantaged.
To Mr. Eric Paolo Pestaño Smith, UP Cebu masters degree graduate and this year's TOSP-ISLAS Regional Execom chairman, may you continue your undying support and encouragement to our youth, continue on touching the lives and make a significant difference and impact in the society.
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan! Mabuhi ang Pilipinong kabatan-onan! May their tribe increase!
‘Because the true test of service is when we sustain and reach out to as far as those who are abandoned, marginalized and disadvantaged.’