Bontoc, Mountain Province. Jenry Igid Layagan, 21, an alumnus of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) is among the fifteen students from different colleges and universities in the region who passed the preliminary screening for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP)—Cordillera Administrative Region Chapter.
Prior to the selection and formal announcement of the students who will represent the region in the nationwide search of TOSP, the students underwent a five-day formation program in Lagangilang and Tubo, Abra. This program focused on knowing themselves more, deepening their passion and commitment for leadership and social accountability, and recognizing the needs of the region and nation in whole. Awarding ceremonies followed at Baguio City in Baguio Country Club on May 14 where Layagan was named one of the five students who will represent the region in the nationwide search of the TOSP.
The criteria for the TOSP awards include academic excellence, leadership, social responsibility, and moral values.
In an exclusive interview, Layagan revealed that her foundation to qualify in the TOSP is not only with her leadership but also being aware with her social responsibilities and academics. She emphasized awareness of social responsibility. In her hometown in Sagada, Tanulong is far from the town. As early as elementary days, she observed that Philippine National Police of Municipality of Sagada go to their barrio despite the fact that their place is far from the town and do their duties. This inspires her to get Bachelor of Science in Criminology as her course in her undergrad.
Layagan said, “I did not know about this search for outstanding students in the Philippines until the Student Services Development Office informed me. I pushed through by passing my bid book. I did not expect that I am one of the selected outstanding students to represent the region.”
She was a consistent Dean’s, and President’s Lister and graduated cum laude and best female criminology intern of the year. She also led her fellow comrades as the battalion commander in 2014-2015 when she was awarded best ROTC cadette. She has the real passion of serving people making her join various parade activities as security marshal, tree planting, and Brigada Eskwela.
“I belong to a big family. I am the 8th daughter from the 13 siblings of Mr. Barnabas T. Layagan and Estefania I. Layagan, a farmer and housewife respectively. I truly know the sacrifices of my family. I was motivated by them, my parents and siblings. Being born and raised in a family of thirteen children was never an obstacle to excel in my studies and live a disciplined life. Nevertheless, this is a challenge to embrace. Despite my family‘s financial difficulties, it serves as a motivation to rescue and finish studies with flying colors,” Layagan expressed.
The key inspiration and dedication in finishing her studies is her family especially the second child among the siblings who went abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker. He became their bread and butter to support them in their schooling. There are many sacrifices just for us to be able to get a good education and to have a brighter future.
“I did not expect that I am one of the five students who will represent the region in the nationwide search of TOSP because I am already satisfied with the regional level,” Layagan added. Her family is proud of her.
“To the undergraduates, be yourself; grab every opportunity that comes along for this comes once. You cannot bring back the time that has been elapsed. Also, learn to sacrifice and lend your hands to those who are in need,” Layagan stressed when asked her message to students.
The other top five OSCAR awardees are: Apolinario Bagano Jr. (BS Development Communication) of Benguet State University; Kama-I Sulikam Okubo (BS Accountancy)of University of Baguio ; Jules Verne Villanueva (Doctor of Medicine) of Saint Louis University; and Candace Dawn Fernandez (BS Information Technology)of University of Baguio.
Layagan received offers from various criminology review centers but she is yet to decide where to take the review. She will take Criminology Board Exams this coming next board examination.
