By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The awardees and university officials took a photo opportunity following the courtesy call at the Office of the President on October 15, 2026.
Central Philippine University (CPU) recognized the achievements of its students and graduates during a courtesy call with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the Office of the President on October 15, 2026.
The recognition highlighted the accomplishments of Centralians in the 59th Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Region VI, the Transforming Advocates & Champions (TRAC) Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP) National Level, the 2nd University Model Congress: Senate Edition, and other competitions.
Among those recognized were Hannah Joy A. Borja, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, cum laude, Batch 2026; Mark Hendrix G. Lapac, a Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in Medical Biology graduate, summa cum laude, Batch 2026; Sam Isaac E. Alog, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student; Alexander Ernest P. Apostol, a fourth-year Political Science and Public Administration student; and John Lloyd T. Panizales, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in Microbiology student.
In the 59th TOSP Region VI, Borja and Lapac qualified as regional finalists after being screened from among the applicants. During the awarding ceremony held on October 11, 2026, at the Ker & Co. Building on Ortiz Street, Iloilo City, Lapac emerged as one of the six regional awardees who will advance to the national search.
Meanwhile, three Centralians earned national recognition at the TRAC OSLP National Level held in Baguio City on October 3, 2026. Borja secured seventh place among the Top 10 TRAC OSLP, while Panizales placed tenth and received the Best Advocacy Video Award. Apostol was named a TRAC OSLP finalist, won the Student Project Presentation championship, and received the Best in Oral Presentation award.
At the 2nd University Model Congress: Senate Edition, held from October 7 to 9, 2026, Alog represented CPU as the only participant from the Visayas among more than 100 applicants. The event marked the first time CPU and the Visayas were represented in the competition, organized by the Philippine Association of Local and Foreign Leaders (PALF) in partnership with FPJ Youth, Congressman Bryan Poe, and Senator JV Ejercito.
Alog received four distinctions during the competition: Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, Best Delegate of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, Best Bill of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Best Overall Senator Debater. The event’s first two days were held at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, followed by the Senate session at the GSIS Building in Pasay City on October 9.
The courtesy call was attended by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Accompanying the awardees were Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy; Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Christine B. Golilao, Chairperson of the Department of Accountancy; Assoc. Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing; and Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Director of the Student Development and Programs Office.
The recognition highlighted CPU’s continuing commitment to developing student leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, advocacy, and service to their communities and the nation.