Engineering alumnus among '58th Outstanding Students of the Philippines' honorees

Engr. Melvin Alas-as, a civil engineering graduate of the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) Class of 2019, was named one of the 30 national honorees of the 58th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) during the honoring ceremony at JoeCon Hall, RFM Corporate Center, Mandaluyong City, April 27. 

Engr. Cielito Maligalig, Dean of the College of Engineering, attended the event along with Alas-as' mother Marites Alas-as and Arby Lagman, Head of the University Health and Safety Office and current Regional Chair of Calabarzon Outstanding Students (CalabarzonOS).

"Engr. Alas-as has demonstrated consistent academic and leadership performance during and after his studies at Enverga University. This national recognition reflects the values we uphold in the College of Engineering," Dean Maligalig said.

Alas-as currently works as a structural designer at AKYLAS, Inc. He ranked Top 6 in the November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination. He graduated summa cum laude and received the Benjamin V. Tan Most Outstanding Male Student award in 2019. He also placed fifth in the August 2017 National Civil Service Examination (Professional Level) and led the community extension service project "Pa-PICE ko po: A Christmas Gift Giving Activity."

Prior to the awarding ceremony, the 30 national finalists joined a two-day formation program from April 26 to 27 at Balai Taal. The program included personal reflection, group discussions, and a tribute to TOSP founder Jose Concepcion Jr. through a pine tree planting and a time capsule activity.

Pamela Asis-Layugan, TOSP Alumni Community National Chair, facilitated the plenary sessions. Marie Concepcion-Young, daughter of the founder and president of the TOSP Foundation, shared stories and background about the organization's origins and goals.

Due to the restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the TOSP Batch 2019 was not able to undergo the traditional formation and recognition program at the time of their selection. The TOSP Foundation officially held the formation and honoring ceremony for the 2019 honorees only in April 2025, six years after their batch was originally named. This delayed program allowed the finalists to finally complete the process and be formally recognized among the ranks of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is a national program that recognizes graduating college students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility. Established in 1961 by businessman and civic leader Jose “Tatay Joecon” Concepcion Jr., the program is administered by the RFM Foundation in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the National Bookstore Foundation.

TOSP aims to inspire Filipino youth to become servant leaders in their respective fields and communities. The selection process includes regional and national screening, formation programs, and a final recognition ceremony for the top honorees.