By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Congratulations to the five (5) Centralian students for making it as semi-finalists in the 2026 Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards! Publication Materials courtesy of TOSIA -The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards.

Five students from Central Philippine University (CPU) have qualified as semi-finalists for The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) 2026, following the announcement on April 7, 2026, via the official Facebook page of TOSIA 2026.

Representing CPU in the College category are Elaisha L. Pomida (4^th Year – BA Communication), Hannah Joy A. Borja (4^th Year – BS Accountancy), and Mark Hendrix G. Lapac (4^th Year – BS Biology), under the guidance of their Coach/Adviser Pastor Alfred C. Morales. The Junior High School category semi-finalists include Princess Allea E. Alvarez and Edwin E. Laru-an Jr., both in Grade 10, with JHS Adviser Ms. Ghia Joy Bermejo.

Two other CPU students, Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on (4^th Year – BA Communication) and Matt Jireh S. Tumlos (4^th Year – BS Chemistry), successfully qualified in the essay writing round: “The Roadblock: Essay Writing Challenge” held on March 28 at West Visayas State University.

The semi-finalists successfully navigated the rigorous bid entry evaluations and the essay writing challenge, securing their place in the final stage of the competition. They participated in the interview rounds yesterday, April 9, at The BOX, ILOMOCA, where they underwent panel interviews and leadership assessments before the final selection of awardees.

The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) is a flagship program of Junior Chamber International – Regatta (JCI Regatta), recognizing well-rounded Ilonggo students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and faith, while also honoring the schools that nurture them into active, responsible citizens.