By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Centralian Nepth Micro V. Apil, a TOSIA 2025 awardee, exemplifies how leadership, community support, and humility can shape a meaningful and inspiring student journey.

Success is never a solo endeavor — it’s shaped by the people, experiences, and challenges we encounter along the way. For Nepth Micro V. Apil, a Centralian TOSIA 2025 awardee, his story is woven from moments of hard work, community support, and a commitment to making a difference.

Born in the Municipality of Lemery, Iloilo, Nepth Micro V. Apil is a 22-year-old currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. From an early age, he was drawn to student leadership, a passion ignited during a leadership training program by iLead Trainings in his elementary years.

“I didn’t know anything about leadership at that time, but something clicked when I heard the speakers and trainers. I realized that even someone like me — a student — had the potential to make a difference, to lead, and to create,” he said in an online interview. That realization fueled his determination to grow, driving him to volunteer in community work, organize projects, join competitions, and consistently excel in academics.

Today, he serves as the Vice President for Finance of iLead Trainings, working side by side with the mentors he once admired. Despite the titles and accolades, Nepth remains deeply grounded — still the same kid who enjoys dipping pandesal in Coke, a symbol of his humility and loyalty to his roots.

When asked about some of his most memorable moments at CPU, Nepth shared, “My time at CPU has been filled with unforgettable moments. One of the most meaningful to me was being crowned Mr. CPUR 2023. It wasn’t the title itself that left a lasting impression, but the journey and the people who stood by me. The preparation, the rehearsals, the ups and downs — my COP family was there every step of the way. It was a collective effort, and that’s something I will always cherish.”

For Nepth, CPU has provided not just an education but a family — a community that believes in him and in each other. To him, that sense of connection and support is the true victory.

The CPU community has been Nepth’s backbone — a constant source of support, motivation, and encouragement. In every challenge he has faced, he has always felt the unwavering presence of his professors, peers, and mentors. “Their belief in me has helped shape who I am today. They didn’t just nurture my academic growth but also my personal development. It’s the little things — a word of encouragement from a professor, a pat on the back from a classmate, or a shared laugh with a friend — that have made all the difference. They’ve taught me that growth is not a solitary journey, but a collective one, where we all rise together.”

Nepth’s academic and extracurricular journey at CPU has been defined by outstanding achievements. He has consistently held Rank 1 from his first year to his fourth year in the College of Pharmacy, was crowned Mr. CPU Republic 2023, and most recently, was honored as a TOSIA 2025 Awardee.

“Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. CPU is a place where your potential isn’t just recognized — it’s nurtured, shaped, celebrated…. challenged. Be part of a community that believes in your dreams,” Nepth encourages students considering enrolling at CPU.

Today, Nepth stands tall as one of this year’s TOSIA awardees — not just because of his academic achievements, but because of the lives he continues to inspire, the community he uplifts, and the humility that grounds him through it all.