Ten outstanding Bicol students named

By Connie B. Destura LEGAZPI CITY --- After months of rigorous screenings, the Commission on Higher Education and AKO Bicol Partylist named the “Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol” (TOSB) who will be presented in an awarding ceremony today at the Bicol University (BU) here with Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara as guest of honor and keynote speaker. Rosalieh Constante Luces, political affairs officer and TOSB coordinator, said the judges chose the 10 from a list of 20 semi-finalists based on their exemplary performance in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and social responsibility in the Bicol region. She said the 10 who will be honored on March 9 at the College of Arts and Letters in BU are: Maegan Alexis A. Almasco and Katherine Princess Vista, both from University of Northeastern Philippines or UNEP in Iriga City; Romeo B. Sotto Jr. and Claudette May B. Mora, both from University of Saint Anthony or USANT, also in Iriga City. Juvin M. Durante, Cristia Shiena S. Amparo, Christine Mae Valencia, all from University of Nueva Caceres or UNC in Naga City, Camarines Sur; and Charles Michael G. Salas of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges. Karen Daniela Besmonte of Aquinas University of Legazpi or AUL and Karen V. Segovia of Divine World College of Legazpi or DWCL, both schools in Legazpi City. A special award will be given to Nico Jazmin Guillermo as the “People’s Choice Award.” According to Luces, three special Sunwest Awards, that will be announced during the ceremony, will be given--the awards for leadership, distinction in accountancy, and overall excellence. The special awards will be given by Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. Luces said it is also significant that among the 10 TOSB seven are women who will be honored with this month’s celebration of the International Women’s Month. “They all deserve to win because they are all unique and talented,” she said of the women college students. Luces said Angara’s presence is highly anticipated as he will inspire the students, teachers and parents to become the best in their field and contribute to nation-building. She said prior to the awarding ceremony, Angara will also visit Tagas Elementary School and Binitayan Elementary School in Daraga, Albay to distribute bags and school supplies to hundreds of student beneficiaries of AKB. CHED and AKB chose the finalists to the search from among nominees from various private and state colleges and universities in the Bicol region. CHED and AKB said TOSB, an annual search that was initiated in 2009, aims to recognize the hard work and contribution of Bicolano students in local and national development, a vision shared by the two award-giving bodies. The Ako Bicol partylist Representatives--Alfredo Garbin Jr, Rodel Batocabe and Christopher Co., espouse improvements in the lives of Bicolano people.