3 Cordilleran graduates are Philippine Outstanding Student honorees

Academic excellence awardees. Outstanding leaders. Dedicated community servants. These are the qualities demonstrated by three Cordillera University graduates who became honorees of the 58th Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

TOSP is a prestigious nationwide search that honor exemplary students who embody scholarly achievement, exceptional leadership, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Among the 30 national honorees include three graduates of the Cordillera region – Dr. Brendon Bangco-og, Shyla Alsaen, and Velcher Christian Castillo.

Bangco-og, a Veterinarian Student of the Year awardee, graduated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Benguet State University; Alsaen, a Cum Laude, completed Bachelor in Agricultural Technology at Mountain Province State University; and Castillo, a Magna Cum Laude, finished his Bachelor of Secondary Education at St. Louis University.

These three who belong to the Outstanding Students of CAR Batch ‘Salinlahi’ 2019 were presented and honored on April 27 at the RFM Corporate Center in Mandaluyong. The ceremony marked the return of the annual TOSP search after its 6-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Serving for Life

As for Alsaen, she first doubted if she deserves to be included in the national finalists for the 58th Search for TOSP, but once the announcement dawned on her, it became a reminder for her that it is her duty to keep serving her community.

“But more than the award or the trophy I received, it has always been a constant reminder — a reminder to serve the community, to be the voice for those who are often unheard, and to keep pushing forward for the causes we believe in,” she said, drawing inspiration from the legacy of TOSP’s Founder, Jose S. Concepcion Jr.

Castillo, on the other hand, expressed that the TOSP recognition is not just an acknowledgment of their efforts and services way back in college, but it is a responsibility to continue heeding the call for nation-building. 

“I am forever blessed and grateful to be part of this community. May we all continue learning, leading, and serving for life. Patuloy pa rin sa pagbibigay kulay sa pangarap ng bawat bata. Kahit na at kahit pa,” he expressed.

Bangco-og, meantime, dedicates the award to the Cordillerans, saying, “It is for all the communities in the Cordilleras who have shared their stories with us.”