By Karren Jay Asgar
Congratulations to the three Centralian students for making it as awardees in the 2025 Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards! Pubmat courtesy of TOSIA -The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards Facebook page.
Three Centralians were recognized as awardees in the 2025 search for The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), spearheaded by JCI Regatta, following the official announcement of results on April 8, 2025.
In the College Category, Nepth Micro Apil from the College of Pharmacy and Kyla Balibagoso from the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences were selected, while Roan Victor Lacupa was named the awardee in the Junior High School category. Since the preparation stage, students in the college category have been under the guidance of Pastor Alfred ‘Palf’ Morales, Director of Student Development and Programs, while Mrs. Ma. Nilfa S. Salanio and Mrs. Charity May Flor D. Escobin have served as mentors to the students of the Junior High School category.
“Initially, I was dumbfounded and shocked when I found out I was one of the finalists in the first batch of TOSIA’s awardee announcements,” Lacupa said in an online interview. He also shared that he felt nervous, knowing he was competing against top students from other schools in the City and Province. “My fellow applicants from CPUJHS were even incumbent student council officials, which made me feel I had to step up my game.”
All three successfully passed a rigorous selection process, which included an online bid screening, essay writing challenge, and interview rounds.
“To the Centralian community, I wouldn’t have reached this far without your unwavering support. This community has opened so many opportunities for me—each one playing a vital role in my TOSIA journey. Know that this achievement isn’t just mine, but ours. Thank you for walking alongside me every step of the way,” Lacupa added.
According to their program overview, The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) is a flagship program of the Junior Chamber International – Regatta (JCI Regatta) which intends to give honor and recognition to well-rounded Ilonggo students who excel in academics, leadership, community, and faith and in creating positive change. It is also a salute to schools for molding their students to be young active citizens.