By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Five outstanding Bicolanos have earned a chance to compete on the national stage after winning the 59th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Bicol regional search.
Chosen to carry Bicol’s hopes and aspirations were: Wilfredo V. Bonaobra, Jr., of the Bicol University; Juliana Eunice F. Fuentes of Ateneo de Naga University (AdeNU); Fernan Matthew A. Enimedez of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC); Erlyn Ann Galang of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA); and James Nathaniel Refugio of University of Nueva Caceres (UNC).
The five regional finalists will undergo a rigorous selection process at the national level, where they will showcase their academic and leadership achievements, community involvement, personal advocacies, and their commitment to lead with purpose and integrity.
For Juliana Eunice Francisco Fuentes of the Ateneo de Naga University, the journey has just started.
“This marks merely the start of a broader endeavor to support communities and explore methods for contributing positively to society. One that touches me the most is about maternal health. I wish to serve communities by advancing mental health, strengthening humanitarian action, and shaping people- centered public health systems,” Fuentes added.
Fuentes offered her TOSP medal to the mother and child who died due to lack or ignorance of maternal health care intervention, having lived in the remote areas of Calaguas Island in the province of Camarines Norte.
“This medal is not even mine. This is for Nanay Lorna, for the mother and child who died because of lack of knowledge in maternal health, for every person whose story I carried in my TOSP journey,” Fuentes said.
For Wilfredo V. Bonaobra of the Bicol University, the ceremony is not just an award—it’s a reminder that there is a much bigger world out there, voices that need to be heard, and for every youth who wants to make a difference.
“Ang TOSP ay para sa kabataan na ipinaglalaban ang ating mga communities. I am encouraging the youth to make your voice be heard by everyone, and TOSP is the great platform to reach overlooked community,” Bonaobra said.
The BU finalist affirmed his love for the country and said he will not stop until every Filipino feels the same.
“I will keep showing up, until no Filipino ever has to say “nakakapagod nang mahalin ang Pilipinas,” until loving this country finally feels right and worth it.”
Asked about her TOSP journey, Erlyn Ann Galang said that every sacrifice, sleepless night, and quiet doubt finally aligns into purpose.
“For a long time, my life felt like a relentless balancing act, taking the bumpy road of my Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, working multiple jobs to keep food on the table, and coming home to the profound responsibility of raising my child as a single mother. There were moments when fatigue almost won. Yet, stepping into the TOSP journey proved that hardship does not diminish our capacity to serve, it refines it,” Galang shared.
Galang said she would use her knowledge in Biology to enhance local food security, lead disaster response operations during severe typhoons, or training young volunteers in basic life support and emergency response. “I realized that our struggles teach us empathy, and empathy makes us better servant-leaders,” she added.
She shared her desire to contribute to nation-building by empowering young people and vulnerable communities through practical emergency preparedness, health education, and sustainable development initiatives.
59th TOSP Bicol Regional Search Chairperson John Roi C. Peñaflorida said that TOSP allows students and young people to bring good and positive changes in their respective communities.
“It is in this platform that we can celebrate—that even young as they are, they can be agents of change. We want to show that true excellence extends beyond personal aspirations. This community is a new journey to serve our nation better, embrace ourselves and be reminded of our values.”
As a TOSP Bikol alumnus himself, Peñaflorida thanked everyone who helped reopen the doors to the search after almost a decade. He hopes its return will once again give young Bicolanos a platform to turn their passion into purpose—and remind others that excellence becomes even more meaningful when it is used to serve others. (PIA Bicol)
