Affirming one of its testaments to the remarkable talent, dedication, and spirit of Louisian students, Saint Louis University (SLU) staged its Annual Gawad San Luis for Students on 24 June 2026 at the Prince Bernhard Gym, SLU Main Campus.
Led by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), the ceremony gave due recognition for the admirable performance of Louisian students, student organizations, student publications, and researchers that embodied SLU’s core values namely: Competence, Innovation, Compassion, and Christian Spirit in Academic Year 2025-2026.
Opening the program was the performances of the SLU Glee Club, followed by the opening remarks by the University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD. He said, “The genuine goal of education is to turn mirrors into windows—to help us move beyond ourselves, broaden our perspectives, and recognize our responsibility to others. Education invites us not only to discover our own potential, but also to understand the needs of the communities we serve and the world we share… Excellence is important, but excellence grounded in compassion, integrity, and service is paramount.”
Fr. Sales also noted that the achievements being recognized by Gawad reflect the many ways Louisian students embody purposeful excellence. “Whether in academics, research, leadership, athletics, arts, or community engagement, you demonstrate that excellence takes many forms. Each accomplishment contributes to a culture of learning, innovation, and service that strengthens our University and enriches the communities we serve,” he said.
The 2026 Gawad San Luis for Students Board of Judges was then recognized, which comprises CICM Baguio-La Union District Coordinator and CICM Home Sweet Home Administrator Bro. Jonardo Jonel P. Dalimag, CICM; Commission on Higher Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) Education Supervisor II Dr. Godfrey G. Mendoza; Deputy National Executive Director of the Junior Chamber of International Philippines Ms. Sheila Marie R. Medina; and Outstanding Students of the Cordillera Administration Region Alumni, Inc. Chair Mr. Mark Anthony Alvar.
The awarding of individual awards commenced, honoring student organizations and students who won in competitions and similar events in national and international settings. Grounded in the university’s core values, these individual awards include the Gawad San Luis for Competence and the Gawad San Luis for Innovation. The Major Awards were the Jose Rizal Award for Competence, the Fernando Amorsolo Award for Innovation, the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Compassion, and the Jose Burgos Award for Christian Spirit.
Listed are the finalists and winners for the Major Awards:
Jose Rizal Award for Competence
This award is presented to students who, representing the university, have achieved the highest recognition in national or international academic competitions, sports, or leadership awards.
Finalists:
- Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers – Saint Louis University Chapter (PIIE-SLU-C)
- Psyche Society
- SLU Political Science Academic Society (POSAS)
- Young Entrepreneurs’ Society (YES)
- School of Engineering and Architecture Honor Society (SEAHS)
Winner: Psyche Society
Fernando Amorsolo Award for Innovation
This award is given to the student organization that has significantly contributed to promoting innovation and creativity within the university community.
Finalists:
- PIIE-SLU-C
- Psyche Society
- POSAS
- SEAHS
- Society of Integrated Commercians for Academic Progress (SICAP)
Winner: SLU Political Science Academic Society (POSAS)
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Compassion
This award is bestowed upon the student organization that has played a pivotal role in promoting compassion and social responsibility.
Finalists:
- PIIE-SLU-C
- Psyche Society
- POSAS
- YES
- SICAP
Winner: Psyche Society
Jose Burgos Award for Christian Spirit
This is awarded to the student organization that has excelled in fostering quality Christian formation programs.
Finalists:
- Discipuli Legis Universitatis Sancti Aloysii (DLUSA)
- Psyche Society
- POSAS
- YES
- SICAP
Winner: Psyche Society
In between awards, the Center for Culture and the Arts displayed artistry through intermission numbers by the different performing groups.
The final run of the awarding ceremony acknowledged the 2026 Gawad San Luis for Students School Coordinators and Committees. Afterward, the Presidential Awards for Best Extra-Curricular Organization, Best Co-Curricular Organization, and Excellence in Leadership were awarded.
Listed are the finalists and winners for the Presidential Awards:
Presidential Award for Best Extra-Curricular Organization
Finalists:
- Baguio Association of Government Grantees and Scholars – Saint Louis University (BAGGS)
- SEAHS
- SICAP
- Youth Council of Ecolodians (YCE)
Winner: SICAP
Presidential Award for Best Co-Curricular Organization
Finalists:
- DLUSA
- New Louisian Philosophical Society (NEOLOUPHIS)
- PIIE-SLU-C
- Psyche Society
- POSAS
- YES
Winner: Psyche Society
Presidential Award for Excellence in Leadership
Finalists:
- Jerel Xavier Beltran – POSAS
- Trizza Ann V. Castro – SEAHS
- Rheginaex De Guzman – DLUSA
- Jyan Arlea M. Fernandez – YCE
- Arabella M. Galang – YES
- Kaiserie Zhea Alliah T. Kuizon – PIIE-SLU-C
- Krister P. Pereyra – BAGGS
- Chelsea D. Poclis – SICAP
- Anton Lawrence Ponce – NEOLOUPHIS
- Ozea Audine A. Tirao – Psyche Society
Winner: Jerel Xavier Beltran – POSAS
The 17th Gawad San Luis for Students not only honored Louisian excellence but also reaffirmed SLU’s commitment to the holistic formation of compassionate, competent, and innovative leaders grounded in Missio et Excellentia. As the ceremony closed, awardees, faculty, and guests brought with them a shared resolve to turn mirrors into windows and achievement into service, strengthening SLU’s learning culture and community impact. (Article by Kathleen Therese Catingub, UIO Volunteer | Photos by Kemm Mitchell Olarte, UIO Volunteer)
Access the Official Photos of the 17th Gawad San Luis for Students Awardees via this Drive Link.
