By Nestle G. Taala
Mr. John Elmer P. Loretizo is one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).
Mr. John Elmer P. Loretizo, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering batch 2018, was hailed as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) during its recently concluded online awarding ceremony on December 1, 2021.
Mr. Loretizo’s journey in the 57th Search for TOSP has begun in 2018 with a regional search where schools send representatives until he joined the list of the national awardees. “The journey was great; I thought for a second that we won’t get awarded but then TOSP foundation was still in communication with us and was doing everything they can to put it into works,” he said while sharing his experience since the awarding ceremony took almost three years because of unforeseen events such as the pandemic.
Alongside this award, it should be noted that Mr. Loretizo has made CPU proud in his many achievements. These include winning the Grand Prize for the National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” contest in 2017; having been chosen as one of the recipients of GMA Network Excellence Award in 2018; having been selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines in 2018; among of others.
He encouraged the Centralians by saying, “I owe a big part of who I am today from the experience and training I received in CPU; and I can say that I am eternally grateful to CPU. The Central Spirit truly lives on wherever you are in the world – even here in the US and I’m just happy to be a part of such an amazing community. I know that CPU has no shortage of amazing student leaders that are capable of achieving the same feat that I have achieved. And I would dare to say that there will be some who will even achieve more things than what I have achieved now and I’m excited to see it unfold. Lastly, I can say that yes, today I’m one of the TOSP but tomorrow I still wake up as a human being with flaws and imperfections but with the right community beside you – you can always strive to be better for yourself and for others.”
He also acknowledged and expressed his gratitude to the following people, “First and foremost, to God who has guided me all these years in every endeavor I take and for closing doors and opening windows of opportunities for me. I stand where I am today because God has led me to this path. My mom and my family of course for their never-ending support in all aspects. CPU administration headed by Dr. Teodoro Robles; office of student development and programs headed by Dr. Margen Java; College of Engineering faculty and staff headed by Engr. Dany C. Molina; all my coaches while I was in the university; and all of the amazing student leaders, friends, and classmates I’ve shared my CPU journey with – all the good, the bad, and the ugly; all of these things have shaped me to who I am today.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Jan Christian E. Española, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Cum Laude, was also chosen as one of the TOSP finalists. Mr. Española has showcased his leadership skill in CPU by serving as CPUR President from 2017 to 2018.
He expressed that having been included in the finalists already made him “happy and proud not just for myself but especially for the people/organizations I consider my life agents — Family, Sir Maredil Ambos, Pastor Alfred Morales, Blessed Bea Plondaya, CPU administration, Koalisyon, CPU Republic, CPU Printing Press and the TOSP.”
Currently, Mr. Loretizo works as Data Scientist for Cell Quality and Field Reliability, Tesla. He finished his Master of Science in Business Analytics degree from the University of California, Davis last 2020. On the other hand, Mr. Española pursues his Masters in Public Administration.