28/03/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ง ๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐-๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
Celebrating academic excellence and service, the Baguio Association of Government Grantees and Scholars โ Saint Louis University Chapter (BAGGS - SLU) recognized the feats of Louisian scholars in GAWAD ISKO 2026 at P700, Audio Visual Room (AVR), Perfecto Building yesterday, March 26.
The program gathered recipients of minor and major awards from the universityโs undergraduate schools, namely the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
Minor distinctions included the Deanโs Lister Award for academic excellence, and the Special Awards for students who represented the university in extracurricular activities.
Meanwhile, major awards highlighted SLUโs four core values: Christian Spirit, received by Gian Vincent Castro, for exemplifying Christian values and spiritual awareness; Competence, given to John Trif Pacho, for the development of activities that enhance skills and student competencies; Compassion, bagged by Kenith Mallare, for making significant social contributions; and Innovation, awarded to Jolo Adam Roque, for the integration of creativity in projects and initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Krister Pereyra, BAGGS Executive President, highlighted that recognition extends beyond academic performance, emphasizing the roles that scholars play in leadership and social involvement.
โTo our awardees, this recognition is a testament not only to our academic accomplishments, but also to our perseverance, leadership, and to making a positive impact,โ he said.
He added that โbeing a scholar is both an honor and a responsibility,โ encouraging his peers to โlead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to pursue excellence.โ
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When asked how they felt after having received their awards, Rogilyn Mae Ricopuerto, a third-year BS Psychology student who was one of the Deanโs Lister awardees, said the recognition affirmed the dedication she invested in her studies.
โMasaya po kasi siyempre, kumbaga, meron pong proof talaga na may pinaghirapan ka. Parang nabigyan ng acknowledgement โyong achievements mo, โyong pinaghirapan mo sa school,โ she said.
On the other hand, Castro, recipient of the Christian Spirit Award and Deanโs Lister Award from the Medical Biology Department, expressed his joy, saying the recognition came as a surprise after overcoming the struggles he faced during the first semester.
โSiyempre po masaya po ako noโng na-receive ko โyong award kasi medyo unexpected siya, [after] โyong mga paghihirap na nangyari noโng first sem, sa mga subjects ganoโn,โ he said.
Further, Ricopuerto delivered a word of inspiration to her fellow Louisians, encouraging them to confront challenges despite fear.
โYou have to push yourself sa mga challenges, like, kahit may mga bagay kang mae-encounter sa college life na parang nakakatakot. For example po kanina po sa pag-akyat ko sa stage, medyo may stage fright po kasi ako, pero fine-face ko โyong challenges na โyon kasi it helps me grow,โ she added.
Meanwhile, Castro stressed that hardships often lead to meaningful rewards, noting that they will always be met with something in the end.
โTatandaan natin na every paghihirap, makakakuha rin tayo ng reward sa dulo kasi ang paghihirap natin ay hindi lang basta-basta, palaging merong kapalit โyan,โ he stated.
By Faith Revaรฑo
Photos by Maxin Musni and Ashley Pearl Walis
