DAVAO CITY — Organizers of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards are actively seeking its first Dabawenyo recipient in the program’s 38-year history. Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Philippines launched its Mindanao campaign on July 25 at Rogen Inn, aiming to bridge a long‑standing geographical gap in the prestigious honor.
A 38‑Year Gap Spurs a Mission
The TOFIL Awards, a flagship project of JCI Senate Philippines, recognizes Filipinos aged 41 and above who exemplify excellence, leadership, and nation‑building. Since its inception in 1988, the program has honored national figures across 24 fields. Yet not a single awardee has come from Davao City.
Dino Ferdinand Galido, 2026 TOFIL National Chairman and a Davao native, noted that the campaign is now reaching out to local award‑giving bodies. He specifically mentioned the Datu Bago Awards and the LEAD Awards as partners. Their roster of honorees represents a rich pool of potential TOFIL nominees.
Building a Pipeline of Nominees
Organizers are already advancing the bids of several prominent Dabawenyos who have received previous local recognition. Visual artist Kublai Millan, known for iconic Mindanaoan monuments, is among those being approached. Galido stressed that the campaign aims to convert local accolades into national honor.
Beyond individual pursuits, the initiative seeks to encourage the public to nominate. Community members can download the TOFIL catalogue and nomination form from the official JCI Senate Philippines Facebook page. The process is designed to be accessible to all who know an outstanding leader.
A Rigorous and Diverse Award
The TOFIL Award spans a wide array of categories, including agriculture, arts and culture, business, education, medicine, science and technology, sports, and peace advocacy. Nominees must be natural‑born, naturalized, or dual‑citizen Filipinos, with proven moral integrity and tangible contributions to nation‑building. The age requirement is strictly 41 years and above.
This year’s search is held in partnership with Noble Home Corporation. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to elevating the standard of public service and civic excellence. Organizers hope that the Mindanao campaign will inspire a new wave of nominations from the region.
Calling on the Public
Galido encouraged individuals and organizations to visit the JCI Senate Philippines Facebook page to submit nominations. The campaign aims to ensure that the lifetime achievements of Mindanao’s finest leaders are finally recognized on a national stage. The window for submission remains open, and organizers are ready to guide nominators through the process.
