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DAVAO CITY, Philippines — March 26, 2026 — The 59th Search for the Most Outstanding High School Graduate (MOHSG59) reached its highly anticipated culmination at Abreeza Ayala Mall, gathering the city’s most promising young leaders in a celebration of excellence, service, and transformative impact.
Anchored on the theme “Empower Through Service,” this year’s program showcased not only academic achievement but also the power of youth-led initiatives to create meaningful change across communities.
From 42 Schools to 1 Outstanding Graduate
The journey began with 42 participating schools, eventually narrowing down to 38 official nominees who underwent months of rigorous evaluation, leadership development, and project implementation.
From this exceptional pool, only 10 finalists advanced to the culminating stage—each representing the best of their schools and the future of Davao’s leadership landscape.
A Test of Purpose and Presence
The final round pushed candidates to their limits through an extemporaneous speaking challenge, where each finalist was given two minutes to respond to the same question—testing not just intellect, but clarity of thought, conviction, and authenticity.
From this decisive moment, the Top 5 finalists emerged, each demonstrating a compelling blend of leadership, service-driven mindset, and communication excellence.
Meet the Top 10 of MOHSG59
The Top 10 finalists who stood at the forefront of this year’s competition were:
- Sil Vennxae Necesito (Philippine Science High School – Davao Region Campus) — 🏆 1st Place
- Shae May Cadiong (Crossing Bayabas National High School) — 2nd Place
- Karsh Sofia Malobago (Davao City National High School) — 3rd Place
- Nicole Antoinette Buena (Mapúa Malayan Colleges of Mindanao) — 4th Place
- Annika Mae Pasaje (University of the Immaculate Conception) — 5th Place
- Gian Vince Garcia (Catalunan Pequeño National High School)
- Gared Arthur Tribunalo (Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School)
- Reyluna Cordova (Mintal Comprehensive Stand Alone Senior High School)
- Sherise Jae Lourine Tiu (Davao Chong Hua National High School)
- Roben Musa (Jose T. Quiboloy Sr. National High School)
Emerging as this year’s Most Outstanding High School Graduate was Sil Vennxae Necesito of Philippine Science High School – Davao Region Campus, whose performance embodied the program’s call to lead with purpose and serve with impact.
Recognizing Excellence Beyond the Crown
Beyond the main title, several individuals were honored for their exceptional contributions and leadership:
- Empower Through Service Award — Hyacinth Louise Duldulao (MOHSG 56)
- Dimples Sajolan Leadership Award (Volunteers) — Erin Pacifico (MOHSG 58)
- Dimples Sajolan Leadership Award (Core Members) — Aaron Jay Marga (MOHSG 57)
- Best Project Award — “MataTagbay! Bayanihan Drainage System Project” by Annika Mae Pasaje (UIC)
- Ramon Tirol Leadership Award — Shae May Cadiong (Crossing Bayabas National High School)
These recognitions reflect MOHSG’s deeper mission—to honor leadership that creates tangible, lasting impact in communities.
Leadership in Action: From Ideas to Impact
Spanning September 2025 to March 2026, MOHSG59 evolved into a six-month leadership journey, where participants designed and presented community-based initiatives rooted in real-world challenges.
In a powerful continuation of this mission, the Top 5 finalists will be given the opportunity to implement their projects with the support of JCI Davao, transforming ideas into sustainable community solutions.
Further strengthening the program’s impact, partner institutions—including Ateneo de Davao University, University of the Immaculate Conception, Mapúa Malayan Colleges of Mindanao, and Lyceum of the Philippines University – Davao—extended scholarship opportunities to deserving nominees, ensuring that leadership excellence is met with real educational support.
A Collective Effort for Youth Empowerment
The success of MOHSG59 was made possible through the leadership of Project Chairperson Arman Miguel Montero, 2027 President-Elect of JCI Davao, alongside a dedicated team committed to developing future leaders through experiential learning and service.
With the support of key partners such as Aboitiz Foundation and leading academic institutions, the program continues to stand as one of the longest-running and most impactful youth leadership initiatives in Davao City.
Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow
More than a competition, the Search for the Most Outstanding High School Graduate remains a transformational platform—one that empowers young individuals to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and create meaningful change.
As MOHSG59 closes its chapter, it leaves behind a powerful message:
The future of Davao is not just bright—it is being built today by young leaders who choose to serve.
