20 finalists feted; Top 10 outstanding students named

By Jason B. Neola

NABUA, Camarines Sur --- The Ako Bicol Party-list, in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and in partnership with the Rotary Club of Legazpi Central and the Metro Sorsogon Rotary Club, staged the awarding ceremony for the 11th Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB) for School Year 2025–2026 on May 15, this year.

The event, which was held at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges Auditorium, here, is an annual search aimed to recognize the exceptional achievements, leadership, and service of top student finalists from higher education institutions across the Bicol Region.

Organizers said the ceremony aimed not only to honor the region’s most outstanding students but also to inspire the youth to pursue excellence and engage in community service.

In an interview, Congressman Alfredo Garbin Jr. said that the initiative seeks to bring wider public attention to the accomplishments and stories of Bicolano students who have demonstrated academic excellence, community service, and leadership in their respective fields.

He said that the Partylist does not only recognizes the students as outstanding players in their respective areas of endeavour but also extends educational assistance and other benefits being offered under its programs. “We wish to see them as ambassadors of our programs and advocacies,” he said.

The 2026 Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB), from Top 1 to Top 10: Harold Dave O. Calacday (Best Advocacy Project), Ligao Community College; Ira Joana B. Sarsozo (Service Award), University of Saint Anthony; Santiago F. Roldan III (Leadership Award), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges; Jannelle DL. Sallena (People’s Choice Award), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges;

Robert A. Cabanes, Camarines Norte State College; Maria Princess Ryzza Kyla M. Pavia, Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc. –Legazpi; Lois Joy C. Mandrilla, San Jose Community College; Osher F. San Agustin (Academic Excellence Award), University of Nueva Caceres; Missiemae O. Corbalan, Partido State University-Goa, and Adrian Dalma, Ligao Community College.

The Top 11 to Top 20 TOSB: Melan N. Bonza, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot; Randy M. Bagorio Jr., University of Saint Anthony; Jona A. Perciana, Ligao Community College; Princess Shane B. De Mesa, University of Nueva Caceres; Frank C. Pelemiano, Partido State University – Goa;

Gabriel B. Tario, San Jose Community College, Joy B. Cabaltea, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot; Diana E. Luares, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Calabanga; Mark Joshua L. Cuachin, Bicol University – CAL, and Christine N. Ricafort, University of Nueva Caceres.