CSC student wins search for Outstanding Students of Bicol

Jonathan V. Tulod, a fifth year Civil Engineering student of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB) for School Year 2011-212 by Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Philippine Association of College Student Advisers (PACSA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V.

He received a trophy and P20,000 cash prize, along with other top winners from Region V during the awarding ceremonies at the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City on March 9, 2012. 

Jonathan, who is the current editor in chief of the The Statesman, the official tertiary student publication of CSC, is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree as Cum Laude. He is also the Campus Chapter President of Youth for Christ (YFC), the youth arm of Couples for Christ, a Catholic Charismatic lay movement officially recognized by the Vatican and spread to already 68 provinces in the Philippines and over 60 countries worldwide.  He also served as one of the Legislators of the CSC Federated College Student Council. H

In his acceptance speech, he shared what went through during the interview portion of the search.  He told the audience he was caught off guard when asked what leadership principle he clings to.  “But then, I just answered what perhaps my heart tells me and what the Holy Spirit dictates me to declare. So I said, I do not have a memorized John Maxwell leadership dictum, but I have always believed that leadership is synonymous to discipleship; it is just like what Jesus Christ did—he came to serve and not to be served, and so he is considered the most influential leader of all time, and that is the best leadership principle I would always hold on to.”

Prof. Ariel Buban, executive assistant of Ako Bicol Partylist said the search recognizes the priceless role of youth in nation building.  He commended the awardees for being the epitome of excellence and pillars of quality education.  He also encouraged the awardees to ‘walk the extra mile for the country’s future.’

In his keynote speech, Congressman Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol said the awardees represent the very best that Bicol can offer.  He stressed that selection underwent a stringent process: the TOSB must have grades that are at least in the average level of cum laude; that they must not only be academically superior but must have also holistic perspective, leadership skills and talent to share to their schools, community and the Bicol Region.  He added that the essay competition was aimed to know the values and aspirations of the TOSB contenders and the interview portion was done to know more about their convictions and principles in life. 

He exhorted the awardees to “work really hard, and do better than us” and congratulated their parents for raising them well. He finally challenged the TOSB to “continue the fire of excellence and idealism burning through the years.”

Over 40 students in the region joined the annual search.   The 10 awardees were selected from the 20 finalists.  Last year, CSC’s entry, John Elmar B. Templonuevo, BSED and EIC of the CSC tertiary student publication also won the search. 

Two other students from CSC who were among the 20 finalists (Carlito Gelito and Francis Timbal both from College of Education) were also given certificates and P2,000 incentive.

The other Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol winners, aside from Jonathan V. Tulod  of CSC are: Marlon S. Pontilla of University of Saint Anthony, Bryan E. Novio – Ligao Community Colleges, Patrixia Shirley D. Santos - Bicol University, Renier L. Ramirez – University of Northeastern Philippines, Monique B.Sabio, La Consolacion College, Jemalyn N. San Jose – University of Nueva Caceres, Mary Grace L. Villar – Ateneo de Naga University, Jason L. Castillo – Computer Communication Development Institute, and Ma. Clarissa A. Bombase – University of Nueva Caceres. (GSR/CSC)