Two Lasallians land in shortlist for most outstanding students in NCR

In the search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) in the National Capital Region (NCR), a shortlist composed of 20 finalists, including two Lasallians, was released last April 15. Gregg Louise Tolentino (BSMSECO, ’15) and Samantha Christel Gaerlan (EED-ECED, ’15) were selected from different applicants representing various universities all over the region.

Considered the most esteemed award of its kind, the TOSP awards program has lauded ten students in the tertiary level every year since the early 1960s. The students are chosen after a meticulous screening process seeking the best in academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and social responsibility, grounded on good moral values.

During his stay in the University, Tolentino, a magna cum laude graduate, was active within political party Iisang Tugon sa Tawag ng Panahon and in the University Student Government under the School of Economics Government. Meanwhile, Gaerlan, an Early Childhood Education major and Lady Judoka, graduated summa cum laude. Tolentino and Gaerlan also received an Outstanding Thesis Award and an Athletics Award, respectively, during their commencement exercises.

This year’s search with its corresponding theme “Everyday Heroism” is rooted in the TOSP mission of recognizing young role models in nation building.

Tolentino and Gaerlan both express their gratefulness for being included in this year’s 20 finalists for TOSP-NCR. Gaerlan stresses the importance of education for Filipinos, which is “to improve [themselves] and to better contribute to society.” On the other hand, Tolentino highlights the need for a country with “people who influence one another to think, speak, and do something that will positively contribute to the overall status of the community.”

Tolentino also shares that being part of the 20 finalists for this year’s TOSP-NCR is “already a big blessing for us.” He explains that TOSP has provided them “a good venue to discuss matters with other youth and do something towards Everyday Heroism.”

The pair underwent a regional formation program with the rest of the finalists after being accepted into the shortlist. Out of the 20 finalists, ten will be selected to represent NCR in the national level of the program. Nominees from every region will go another round of screening to qualify for the nationwide search.

The finalists for NCR will be released on May 9. Last year, three out of ten regional finalists for NCR hailed from DLSU.