The University of San Carlos, through the Office of Student Formation and Activities (OSFA), held the 40th USC Excellence Awards on May 28, 2026, at the Fr. Albert Van Gansewinkel Hall, Downtown Campus. Marking its Ruby Anniversary, the event recognized student leaders and organizations for their achievements and contributions to the University community.
With the theme, “A Carolinian Legacy: Driven by Commitment, Defined through Leadership,” the ceremony recognized students and organizations for their contributions to campus life, community initiatives, and continued development of student life at USC.
To commemorate the occasion, the University conferred its three major distinctions: The Outstanding Campus Student Organizations (TOCSO), The Outstanding Leaders (TOL), and The Outstanding Graduates (TOG).
Awarded to student organizations that have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, programs, and organizational performance throughout the academic year, the TOCSO was vetted by a panel led by Kathleen Joyce C. Convicto. The following organizations were recognized this year:
- Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants–USC Chapter
- USC Biology Integrated Organization
- Society of Young Business Executives and Entrepreneurs
- School of Business and Economics Student Council
- USC Pathways
- USC Chemical Engineering Society
- School of Healthcare Professions Council
- Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente–USC
- Coalition of Special Montessorians for Inclusive Communities
- USC Collegiate Engineering Council
Conferred on student leaders who demonstrated exemplary leadership and significant contributions to both the university and the wider community, TOL was screened by a panel headed by Lolito S. Belonguel. This year’s roster of honorees includes:
- Ervi Lowell Doble
- Julianne Batomalaque
- Gabriel Nino Orcullo
- Georgina Mae Villordon
- Morishka Vyneaze Dimaclid
- Freya Marie Corbita
- Earl Lawrence Sabenorio
TOG, the university’s highest student distinction for graduating students, recognized individuals who exemplified academic excellence, leadership, and service during their stay at USC. The awardees, evaluated by a panel chaired by Jasmin E. Owacan, were:
- Dominic Aaron Lucin
- Ashley Marie Huan
- Cathliana Mae Patron
- James Paul Cordova
- Youshua ElJohn Dabon
- Jade Majelion Del Rosario
- Michael Rey Angelo Mabutas
- Johanna Cherrie Caballes
- Amberline Ashley Uy
- Martin Francia III
- Maxine Alessandra Pabracuer
- Mary Abegail Panares
- Renz Nico Estorba
Special awards were also presented to organizations for exemplary service, sustainability initiatives, and educational contributions. Recipients of the Exemplary Service Commendation were the RCY Council and USC Medics for their service to the Carolinian community.
The Carolinian SDG Impact Award was awarded to the Carolinian Environmental Society for its initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and to the USC Chemical Engineering Society for its programs supporting SDG 4 on Quality Education.
Meanwhile, the Carolinian Learning Integration Excellence Award was conferred upon the USC Biology Integrated Organization for its efforts in promoting learning and educational engagement through its programs and activities.
The Ruby Anniversary celebration brought together previous TOCSO, TOL, and TOG recipients highlighting the program’s four-decade legacy. Among them was 1984 TOG Awardee and current USC Trustee Atty. Euney Marie Mata-Perez, FICD, CPA, JD, who delivered the keynote address.
In her speech, Atty. Mata-Perez emphasized the importance of remaining committed to one’s values, purpose, goals, and faith. She encouraged attendees to take risks, accept circumstances beyond their control, foster creativity and passion, discover their purpose, and appreciate their journey.
University President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., also addressed the attendees, describing the Excellence Awards as a celebration of the dedication and contributions of members of the USC community over the years. He likewise underscored the role of the awards in recognizing students who exemplify Carolinian values through their impact within and beyond the University.
The event was led by OSFA Head Catherine S. Algoso, LPT, together with the Excellence Awards Committee and the Student Core Group, composed of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers–USC Student Chapter (PICE-USC) and the Association of Civil Engineering Students–USC (ACES-USC).
For four decades, the USC Excellence Awards have reflected the University’s commitment to providing Education with a Mission and becoming a Witness to the Word. This year’s celebration highlighted the enduring impact of generations of Carolinians whose contributions continue to shape the university community and carry its mission beyond the campus.