Saint Louis University (SLU) alumnus, Vel Christian Castillo, LPT, secured a spot as one of the 30 honorees of the 58th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) held at Joecon Hall, RFM Corporate Center in Mandaluyong on 27 April 2025.
Castillo is a 2019 graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in MAPEH (BSEd MAPEH) under the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA). He was recognized for his outstanding performance in academics, servant leadership, and social responsibility during his senior year as a Louisian.
Joining Castillo and his parents in the awarding were University Registrar, Andrew S. Macalma, PhD; STELA Associate Dean, Teresita D. Ignacio, PhD; and Office of the Student Affairs and Services Director, Mrs. Triceayn Marie D. Prestousa, RPsy, RPm.
Fr. Manuel “Manoling” Francisco, SJ, (Batch 1990), officiated the thanksgiving mass and encouraged the TOSP family to become channels and ambassadors of the victory of love and continue to sing God’s special love and mercy to the world. “Amid so much corruption, we will continue to sing of integrity; amid so much violence and terrorism in the world, we will sing God’s peace; amid so much hatred and greed, we will sing charity and magnanimity,” Fr. Fransisco stated.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque challenged the awardees to continue leading with purpose, legacy of service, and excellence. “The TOSP is not just a recognition of academic achievement, but with each of you leading with purpose, and for those who dream of going the distance. If we do our best in the end, there will be no regret,” she remarked.
The TOSP honors the outstanding students in the country who have personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and impactful social responsibility anchored on good values. This advocates SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. (Article by Michael Dadd, UIO Intern | Photos by UIO and Andrew Macalma)
