Search for The Outstanding Filipinos officially launched

MANILA, Philippines - On its 27th year of searching for outstanding Filipinos, the Insular Life Assurance Co. and the JCI Senate Philippines recently held the launching ceremonies signaling the start of another six months of scouring the entire country for the three deserving individuals who will be bestowed the prestigious honor.

2008 TOFIL awardee for Arts & Culture Dr. Rustica Carpio shared her thoughts as a TOFIL awardee,  saying that from TOFIL’s creed emanates the recognition to outstanding Filipinos, not necessarily as a prize or a reward, but as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement.

The recognition given to real-life heroes is a milestone in the history of Jaycees International and Insular Life Assurance Company in the service to the nation.  “When TOFIL institutionalized the awards, it meant a recognition of human endeavor for the enhancement of the quality of life, a timeless and undying devotion of people to other people.”

According to Insular Life chairman and CEO Vicente Ayllon, “Leadership can come from anybody brave enough to open his eyes and see what needs to be done, and work with his community to bring about the reality they envision for themselves. This is a powerful message that TOFIL can impart to the younger generation. We need to mold leaders who are willing to forgo their ego to share their task of change with their community, and to stand resolute in the face of conflict both from within and outside their group.”

Last year’s TOFIL awardees were: Arsenio B. Ella for environmental conservation and sustainable development; Dr.Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay for geology/earth sciences; and Secretary Rogelio L. Singson for government / public service. 

Among the other awardees are Lorenzo Tanada, Rosa Rosal, Lucrecia Kasilag, Dioscoro Umali, Jovito Salonga, Alfredo Buenaventura, Onofre Pagsanhan, Menardo Jimenez, Corazon dela Paz Bernardo, Robert Kuan, Adolfo Bellosillo, Socorro Ramos, Lydia Echauz, among others.

In the past 26 years, the TOFIL award has given recognition to 121 men and women, 41 years and older, for their outstanding contributions to Philippine society. The nomination covers accomplishments up to June 30, 2014. Nominations forms may be downloaded from www.tofil.ph.  Interested parties may also call TOFIL Secretariat at 374-4390 or Insular Life at 582-1818 loc 1840.  Deadline for submission of nominations is Aug. 31, 2014