The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines – Region 3 Alumni Community of Heroes (TOSP-R3ACH) honored six promising students from Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) for Huwarang Mag-aaral ng Gitnang Luzon (HMGL) 2023 in an awarding ceremony held at Dr. Yanga’s College, Inc. in Bocaue, Bulacan on October 16.

Now on its second year, this independent awards program serves as a platform to inspire students to become exemplary youth leaders dedicated to individual and community development and acknowledged those graduating students who demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, leadership, and social responsibility.

Among the participating institutions, DHVSU stood out with three of its six finalists being named among the HMGL 2023.

The awardees from DHVSU included Purple A. Tolentino from Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Christian Zyrus I. Quizon, and Carl Jeane S. Rongcal both from Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English programs.

Meanwhile, the finalists included Rico P. Garcia in the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino, Ronnel B. Tiongco in the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics, and Raymon M. Tagumasi in the Bachelor of Science in Biology.

A four-day culminating event was held on October 13-16 where the top 16 finalists of HMGL 2023 got into series of activities, including formation programs, interviews, judging sessions, and an alumni night.

Accompanying the DHVSU finalists were Dr. Gloria Gigante, Director for Student Affairs, Mr. Christopher Sicat, representative from the Mexico Campus, and Dr. Adonis David, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, all celebrating the achievements of the university's alumni.

In addition, Atty. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a former senate majority leader of the Philippines, served as guest of honor during the awarding ceremony and he challenged the HMGL finalists and the youth about their historical role in the Philippine history.

“In every society, when the youth and students get involved, social-political transformation happens. Kayo, bilang bagong henerasyon ng Kabataang Pilipino, handa ba kayong tanggapin ang hamon ng inyong papel sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas? That is the question that only you can answer,” Pangilinan said, emphasizing that the youth and students possess the passion, energy, and idealism.

Words and photos by Samantha F. Batalla | Information Officer