TOSP seeks out young Filipino heroes

MANILA, Philippines - The search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is not only about defining a hero among the youth. It is also a program where finalists undergo intensive self-actualization and values formation sessions that help them live their lives for others.

The annual recognition has come a long way since the day businessman Jose Concepcion Jr. launched TOSP Awards in 1961. This year’s search is better felt as the nation marks the 150th birthday of our national hero, the 50th year of the TOSP Program and the 10th year of the TOSP Alumni Community. It’s 150 years of inspiration, 50 years of celebration and 10 years of affirmation.

From the past batches of awardees – including Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ, Atty. Rene Saguisag, the late Senator Raul S. Roco, Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ and Vicky Garchitorena – the award has grown in prestige.

Yearly, the search recognizes graduating college students who are a cut above the rest, excelling not only in academics but also making a difference in their communities, organizations and fields of interest. It is the domain of dedicated servant leaders who have heeded the call of life-long learning, leading and serving.

This year’s 32 finalists were presented by RFM Foundation president Marie Concepcion-Young during the TOSP 2011 national awarding ceremony recently held at Malacañang Palace.

During the awarding, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa challenged the awardees to remain faithful to their advocacies and continue to serve the Filipino people with as much excellence and fervor as they have done to prove themselves worthy of the recognition.

 In issuing a call to action, TOSP founder Concepcion urged the finalists to continue to lead the country in the right direction and stressed that the relevance of their deeds would be their legacy for the next generations.

“Stop dreaming of a better Philippines. Make it happen. It’s time to wake up.”

This year’s theme then focuses on being a BAYANi– a call for the “I” to serve, inspire and to lead the “Bayan” with a heart – so that all will become one with the Bayan and be a BayanI.

The alumni of the TOSP have also launched BAYANiBOLUSYON (facebook.com/bayanibolusyon), a digital movement to unleash the hero in every Filipino, especially the youth. It aims to educate Filipinos that heroism is simply an act of doing good, that no act is too small or too big, and that no one is too young or too inept to do something, somehow.

Among the supporters of the program is the country’s leading telco, PLDT. Patrick Tang, VP for Retail Voice and Microbusiness said, “Our long running partnership with RFM Foundation and TOSP is strong and they can be assured that PLDT would always support their noble cause to fill our need for modern heroes towards nation building.”