By Cyrus A. Natividad

Kriss Bancolo, the CPUR Vice President, is one of the finalists for the Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines 2022.

“Jose Rizal is an inspiration of my dreams”, said the 23 year old Kriss Bancolo, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student of Central Philippine University, when asked how he was able to be among the top 11 Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines.

On August 1, 2022, The Knights of Rizal (KOR) Chartered under Republic Act 646, proudly announced to all presidents and heads of public and private colleges and universities the launching of the search for the 33rd Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines. The objective of the search was to give due recognition to the Five (5) Outstanding College/University Students of the Philippines who best epitomize the Rizalian qualities of Academic Excellence and Leadership in campus and community activities.

Kriss Bancolo’s being chosen as one of the Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines stems from his kind and persistent attitude – in studying and observing. One of his teachers at the CPU College of Hospitality Management, Prof. Ely Silao Lazaro had it, that “Kriss has teachable manners that matters. He is a consistent achiever and leader.” Kriss is currently Vice President of the CPU Student Republic, and presiding officer in the senate.

“It was just one of my dreams”, he said, “It’s just that I put too much faith on it, so it came like a gift from God.” “During my free time, I engage myself in many outreach activities both in our community and in our church. I am a Sunday school teacher at Baybay Dalipe Outreach.

“I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have again waved the banner of excellence of our beloved Central Philippine University in the whole country,” Kriss said. He added that
this time, I would like to express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to everyone who has been a big part and an instrument of God for me to be able to make it in the JRMSP.

Kriss Bancolo is the son of Rony and Merlly Bacolo. He was born in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, but he grew up in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. His mother Rev. Merlly Caguan-Bancolo, is the Director of Antique Christian Center, Inc., an affiliate school of CPU.