Young heroes and their advocacies
The exemplary students with passion for nation building have been named as the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines 2014. Together with them are their proud parents and the award presenters. (Front row L-R) Billie Dumaliang from Ateneo de Manila University, Angela Sebastian from University of the Philippines-Diliman, Leo Mante from University of Eastern Philippines, Jerry Leonida from University of the Philippines-Visayas, John Masigan from St. Paul University Philippines, Frietz Perales from University of the Philippines-Visayas, Lemuel Silvestre from Far Eastern University, Lancelot Yupingkun from University of the Philippines-Diliman, Alexandra Soledad from University of St. La Salle, and Justin Sucgang from De La Salle University. (Top row, L-R) Alice Eduardo of Sta. Elena Construction, Commissioner Patricia Licuanan of CHED, Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras, Joey Concepcion of RFM Corporation and Go Negosyo, Marie Concepcion-Young of RFM Foundation and Pamela Asis-Layugan of TOSP Alumni Community.
Throughout the past decades, RFM Foundation, headed by my father and now assisted by my sister, Marie Young, continues its search for the ten exemplary students with the drive to become instruments of change. Beyond academic excellence, their leadership qualities and strong passion to pursue their respective advocacies had benefited communities and changed lives.
And on its 53rd year, TOSP has once again chosen the top 10 of the 30 student finalists from different regions to be the young heroes and role models of our youth today. I can say that they are role models also to me and my generation, as they re-ignite in each one of us the passion to serve and make a difference in the lives of fellow Filipinos.