Awardees to pursue advocacies

The five Cebu awardees of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Central Visayas said their award is not a token of recognition but a challenge to take on more responsibility.

Michael Angelo Abarcar of the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation, Dr. Ma. Shiril Armero of Southwestern University, Leslie Ann Estaniel of the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus, Wilma Elizabeth Rada of St. Theresa’s College and Ramon Matthew Basabe of Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) said their advocacies were inspired by the leaders they look up to.

Abarcar, a summa cum laude in accountancy, now works with poor rural communities. He said the TOSP award inspired him to work harder for the less privileged.

“I will continue my anti poverty advocacy among rural farmers and fisherfolks,” he said.

Basabe, meanwhile, said he won’t practice nursing so he could focus on environment stewardship.

He said he will continue his projects on vegetable gardening, green infrastructure promotion, and youth environmental organizing.

“Our national hero calls our youth the hope of the future, but if I were to rephrase it, I say that our youth are the hope of today,” he said.

For teacher Estaniel, her goal is to provide quality education so Filipinos can earn more.

“There are always education opportunities even if one is not so young anymore ” she said.

Women and children empowerment are the goals of Rada and Armero.

Armero, a medical doctor said motherhood is her ultimate achievement, pledged to protect the lives of children and the unborn by teaching people natural family planning methods.

“I guess that’s the essence of a true TOSPian, initiating change in our own little ways,” she said.

Rada, a business administration graduate, said she wanted to help the sexually and morally oppressed.

“We need leaders who will passionately feel the pulse of their countrymen,” Abarcar said.

TOSP is an awards and formation program started by businessman Jose Concepcion in 1961 to engage the youth in nation building. It recognizes students who show academic excellence, leadership and social responsibility.

The awardees will compete for 30 spots in the national formation program.