Catanduanes student tops search for outstanding Bicolano students

By Connie D. Calipay NABUA, Camarines Sur ---- Despite his lack of resources, a poor student from the island province of Catanduanes endured to finish his studies. He also topped this year’s outstanding Bicol student search. Ace John Tabuzo, of the Catanduanes State University of Virac in Catanduanes, was awarded Monday during ceremonies here as the topnotcher in the Search for 2018 Ten Outstanding Students in Bicol (TOSB). The award is being given in recognition of the stuents’ exemplary performance in academics, leadership and service and their unwavering commitment to youth participation for Bicol development. The TOSB Awards, which has been going for almost 9 years now, is being sponsored by Ako Bikol Partylist (AKB) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In his speech at the awarding ceremony held at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges auditorium here, Tabuzo said the recognition is one way of encouraging students to be competent, competitive and active, especially on being a good community leader -- the key for quality education. “Today, receiving the TOSB plaque of recognition, I and my fellow awardees do not only represent our institutions and provinces, but we are now the faces of the Bicolano youth, who are molded and strengthened by the harsh winds of the Pacific, by tremors and volcanic seismic activities, by our faith to Ina- testaments of the culture of resiliency and excellence in the region,” Tabuzo added. Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, this year’s keynote speaker, commended all the parents who have always supports their children and as the first teachers. “As I look at the ten outstanding students of Bicol, I know that all 10 of you will make a profound impact not only in the Bicol but in the rest of the country,” Roque added. Aside from plaque, the awardees also received gadgets to help them in their studies. Jessa Brioso of Camarines Polytechnic Colleges in Nabua in Camarines Sur ranked second; followed by Joan Redota of University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City; Eric Mirabueno of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Nabua, Camariens Sur; Mika Ramos of Marines Polytechnic Colleges Foundation in Canaman Campus; Mark Adrian Henera of Divine Word Colleges of Legazpi; Arnel Turiano of University of Saint Anthony of Iriga City in Camarines Sur; Aira Mae Diocariza of Ligao Community College of Ligao City in Albay; Gene Harvey Amoroso of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges of Nabua, Camarines Sir and Bob Vincent Gonzales of University of Saint Anthony of iriga City in Camarines Sur. The awarding ceremony was also attended by AKB party list Reps. Rodel Batocabe and Christopher Co.