ILOILO City – Twenty-four of Iloilo’s most accomplished students were honored not only for their academic achievements but also for their commitment to community service, leadership, faith, and advocacy during the recent 17th The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA).
The awardees, composed of 12 graduating college students and 12 junior high school students, were recognized by JCI Regatta and its partners for demonstrating excellence beyond the classroom and serving as role models for civic engagement and social responsibility.
The awarding ceremony, dubbed “Salute to Excellence,” was held on May 30, 2026 at Robinsons Place Pavia in partnership with the Department of Education’s Schools Divisions of Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, and Passi City.
JCI Regatta oresident Steve Navigar Jr. said the winners emerged from a competitive field of more than 100 applicants who submitted records of achievements not only in academics but also in community involvement and faith-based activities.
Candidates underwent a rigorous selection process that included screening of accomplishments, interviews, and essay writing.
Navigar said the judging panel evaluated nominees based on four pillars — academics, leadership, social responsibility, and faith.
Academic performance covered grades, awards, recognitions, and competitions attended by students, while leadership considered positions held in schools, communities, and organizations. Social responsibility focused on outreach work and community initiatives, while faith examined involvement in religious activities.
Because of the large number of highly qualified applicants, organizers increased the number of awardees from the traditional 20 to 24 this year.
Navigar said TOSIA has evolved from a simple recognition program into a platform that empowers young people to champion causes and advocate for positive change.
“Despite of everything that is happening sa aton nga community, there’s hope, especially sa sining mga kabataan,” Navigar told Panay News.
Among the standout awardees was Elaisha L. Pomida of Central Philippine University, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree.
Pomida garnered five special awards — TOSIA Writer, TOSIA Speaker, TOSIA Worker, TOSIA Leader, and TOSIA Hall of Fame Award — and was also named among the prestigious TOSIA Circle of Five, reserved for the highest-performing awardees.
All 24 awardees received medals, while individual special recognitions such as TOSIA Leader, TOSIA Community Worker, TOSIA Scholar, TOSIA Advocacy, and TOSIA Artisan were also conferred.
Serving as keynote speaker during the ceremony was Atty. Erika May I. Draper, a distinguished Shari’ah lawyer and former TOSIA awardee.
TOISA Awardees for Junior High School Category
* Patrice Janella J. Chua of Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School
* Alex Kriel T. Noquez of Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School
* Erylle Janeen M. Ortega of Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School
* Ryder Johann C. Ledesma of Colegio de San Jose
* Erica Anne Debura M. Puachano of Colegio de San Jose
* Cheyenne Margarette H. Jacomille of Iloilo Science and Technology University – Laboratory School
* Burj Querian E. Capacillo of PAREF Westbridge School Inc.
* Eliana Lyka J. Catedral of Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City
* Liela Marielle C. Eusoya of Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City
* Eena Mikhaela J. Luces of Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City
* Unah Angel Gabrielle R. Robante of West Visayas State University – Integrated Laboratory School
* Zoe Alexandria D. Lacenta of West Visayas State University – Integrate Laboratory School
TOSIA Awardee in College Category
* Hannah Joy A. Borja of Central Philippine University
* Elaisha L. Pomida of Central Philippine University
* Milgaros Therese P. Tutanes of Iloilo Science and Technology University
* Prince Ezekiel T. Moreira of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo) Inc.
* Pamela Jane T. Florencio of PHINMA University of Iloilo
* Lovely Joy P. Palis of PHINMA University of Iloilo
* Nathan J. Gaviola of St. Paul University Iloilo
* Zedrick Wyne A. Que of University of San Agustin – Iloilo
* Romavil N. Abelarde of West Visayas State University – Main Campus
* Arcel Vinz D. Agudo of West Visayas State University – Main Campus
* Jan Michael D. Alayon of West Visayas State University – Main Campus
* Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo of West Visayas State University – Main Campus/PN
