Bohol is always on the top of the list and this makes Boholanos from all walks of life beams with pride that they come from this island province. Take this one for example, in the search for this year’s Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) another Boholano was adjudged as one of them from among the 29 other hopefuls. Student and youth leader Stephen Bryan Yu Bongcaras of this city made, not only his parents proud, but also the provincial govenrment of Bohol after being adjudged as one of the country’s TOSP. Bongcaras is the son of Bob and Rowena Bongcaras, who are both working at the provincial government. 

The young Bongcaras is a recipient of the Most Outstanding Youth Leader Award of the provincial government of Bohol and one of the active Youth Advisory Panelist of the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) in 2011-2013. He is also an awardee of the Alphonse Lesage for Leadership and Community Service conferred by his alma mater, Holy Name University this year (2013). He serves as secretary-general, 9th National Youth Parliament, 2012-2013, aside from being one of the top 10 students in Nursing Pre-board exam of the HNU.  Among the Boholano awardees before included Sonia Malasarte-Roco, wife of then senator Raul Roco, who himself a recipient of the same feat.  TOSP was established and founded by businessman Jose Concepcion in June 19, 1961 with Jose Rizal in mind as an inspiration for and honor the youth leaders. It has a vision for “youth participation in nation building” and “to establish role models that will galvanize the youth into action and help bring about total human development in the nation, promote common good and develop and share our talents, skills, values as main avenues for nation-building.” 

Gov. Edgar Chatto led the provincial government in extending his congratulations to the young Bongcaras for winning the rare feat. Along with Bongcaras are Gabriel Ignacio P. Alejo, a Bachelor of Science in Health Services of the Ateneo de Manila University; Von Jovi B. Biala a Bachelor in Architecture, Foundation University, Region VII; John Michael T. Lava, of Science in Accountancy, Eastern University, National Capital Region; Michael P. Miatari a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Far Eastern University, NCRegion; Aries John S. Pineda, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Baliuag University, Region III; Lucellie P. Santibanez, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, West Negros University Region VI;  Delfin STephen D. Villafuerte, a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, NCR; Leonardo G. Visaya JR., a Bachelor in Secondary Education, Kalinga - Apayao State College, Cordillera Administrative Region; and Vincent A. Yu,a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of the Philippines- Diliman. (RVO)