MARK RAMON VICTOR B. LLANES: Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) 2009 Finalist
By: Victor C. Bongar, PhD, Director of Student Affairs

Our very own Mark Ramon Victor B. Llanes was chosen as one of the thirty national finalists of the 2009 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP). Mark recently graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing with highest scholastic and non-scholastic performances. He is a Summa Cum Laude and also a recipient of the following awards: Outstanding Involvement in Co- and Extra-Curricular Activities and the Community Service Award. Likewise, during the Annual Pinning and Awarding Ceremonies of the Nursing Department, he was awarded with the following awards: Best in Delivery Room Nursing, Best in Psychiatric Nursing, Best in Seminar in Nursing, Best Practicing Clinical Instructor, Best in Ward Management, and Artist of the Year.

During his sophomore year, Mark, along with some students from Davao City , represented the Philippines in the 9 th Sunburst Youth Camp on December 9-16, 2006 in Singapore . He was designated as Team Leader of the country's delegation in the Country Booth Exhibit Competition which was awarded as the First Place among the eleven competing countries. The Philippine delegation also won First Place in the Cultural Presentation Competition held during the Culmination Night of the camp. The youth camp was sponsored by Temasek Holdings Inc. Singapore and Singapore Technologies.

His achievements are not only in academic excellence, but also in other aspects including his talent in dancing, writing, leadership, constant participation in numerous school activities, unwavering community service, and his steadfast service in the religious community. In fact, he was overwhelmingly voted in the SALIGAN (SPC's Supreme Student Council) election as Vice-President for Internal Affairs representing LAHAT Party. He is truly one promising SPCian deserving of the TOSP selection.

The national awarding of the 2009 TOSP will be held on July 2, 2009 at Malacañang Palace with Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Since 1961, the TOSP program has recognized outstanding youth of the nation for academic excellence, exemplary leadership, community involvement, and good moral conduct.