By Krisvimar Nogra – BA COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern
Centralian BA Accountancy student Hannah Joy Borja, a TOSIA 2026 awardee (Photo credits: TOSIA – The Top Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards)
An all-rounder; student leader, academic ace, and community volunteer, Hannah Joy Borja has amassed great feats during her time as a BS Accountancy student. Her firm voice when with a mic and her genuine goal to serve others has contributed to her astounding track record as a youth leader. An eight-time debate champion, Hannah has been awarded Best Speaker twelve times and has been recognized in eleven occurrences as the Best Debater in her stints as a seasoned debater.
Where others might ponder whether she sleeps, Hannah does not rest until she initiates change in the communities she belongs to. Hailing from Alimodian, the Most Outstanding JPIAn awardee of Western Visayas has long been a trailblazer, founding and serving as President in two organizations; Alimodian Debate Society and Association of Supreme Student Government Alumni. Additionally, she was the founding President of Alimodian Young Initiators and Mobilizers Association (ALYMA), and is the incumbent President of the Rex D. Drilon Debate Society of ĢƵ.
Looking back at her journey thus far, Borja has shared that she has looked up to recipients of the Top Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) ever since she was pursuing her secondary education. Unknowingly to her, she would later on become one of the leaders that the youth would look up to, as she was boosted to apply for the prestigious award.
ĢƵI have learned about TOSIA since I was in junior high school, and since then, I have looked up to its awardees and felt inspired by the remarkable display of Ilonggo studentsĢƵ excellence. Now in college, when I was presented with the opportunity to represent ĢƵ for this prestigious award, I said yes right away. What truly motivated me to pursue this journey is my aspiration to inspire the youth within the circle of my influence to reach their fullest potential, realize that they are limitless, and, most importantly, take part in mobilizing and empowering the community. As a leader, debater, and advocate of youth empowerment, I have been blessed by God with so much vigor, passion, and capacity to be at the forefront of leading and inspiring my community. It has always been my greatest vision to uplift everyone alongside me, as I believe that once each of us claims power over ourselves, finds courage, and fully exercises the gifts we have received from God, we can all contribute to creating a nurturing, harmonious, and well-developed community. Altogether, we can live in a place where we bring out the best in one another and make the world a little more beautiful and brighter.ĢƵ
When asked about her favorite memory in pursuit of being a TOSIA awardee, she expressed her happiness in being able to connect with fellow passionate and grounded leaders that qualified for this year.
ĢƵFor me, the TOSIA Bootcamp has truly been the highlight of my experience so far. The bootcamp did not only strengthen the bond among the TOSIA awardees, but it also made us more grounded as leaders. It reminded us of where we came from, who we are serving, and the deeper purpose behind everything that we do. It allowed us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level, introspect, and remember all the people who have been part of our meaningful journeys. Apart from that, it was also inspiring to spend two days closely surrounded by people who share the same passion for service and excellence. We shared waves of laughter, tears, and meaningful stories that were uniquely our own. The TOSIA Bootcamp was more than just a fun and enriching experience. It was an anchor in disguise.ĢƵ
Borja joins JCI RegattaĢƵs Project Ugat initiative (Photo Credits: Hannah Joy Borja)
Reflecting on the fact that she is a woven tapestry of people that has molded her, Hannah possesses a long list of people whom she is grateful for. ĢƵI have always believed that humans are made to coexist and that we cannot truly thrive in isolation. To achieve great things in life, we need to harmonize and grow alongside other people. I have a lot of people to thank in this pursuit of excellence. To my parents, Nanay Gene and Tatay Oyok, who have nurtured me with immense love, care, and holistic support since I was a child. When the world demands more from me, they are there to become my quiet sanctuary, where I am allowed to slow down and be cared for unconditionally. To my mentors, especially MaĢƵam Alibagon, who has greatly influenced me to keep trying, believe in myself, and stay grounded in my core values. To my professors, who have been so understanding and compassionate throughout my college journey, I would not have been able to navigate the life of a youth leader, debater, and student without their consideration and support. To my friends and classmates, who served as my confidants through both joyful and difficult days, thank you for listening, staying beside me when times were rough, and sharing the wonderful moments of youth with me. I am a tapestry woven from all the people I have met and connected with, all of whom have taken part in shaping who I am today. The strength I have in serving the community comes from the people who have nurtured, guided, and supported me. This achievement, therefore, is not mine alone. It is the sum of our collective love, encouragement, and support.ĢƵ
The consistent DeanĢƵs Lister shares a profound message for the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuineness over the pursuit of recognition.
ĢƵTOSIA is a prestigious award, but I believe that it is not something to be aspired for on its own, as it should only be the by-product of your genuine character, hard work, and advocacy. Instead, aspire to become a holistic and grounded student who strives for excellence in academics, leadership, community involvement, and faith. Do this not for an award, but because you see the beauty in it and recognize the impact it can create within the community you serve. As a leader and an advocate for holistic excellence, you are not the center of your causes; you are merely an instrument. For you to become a good instrument and an inspiring example, you must nurture yourself, find your own balance, and strive for great things that will not only uplift you, but also create big waves of change and spark light within the community. I believe that when we have more within ourselves and possess the capacity to give, it becomes even more meaningful to share that light with others as well. TOSIA is an award for transformative students who create meaningful change in society while excelling in their own fields. Spark the change that the world needs. Be the light and make others shine.ĢƵ
Hannah is one of two Centralians that are set to receive the Top Outstanding Students of Iloilo Award this May 30, 2026. She is set to graduate the next day, May 31, 2026, acquiring her undergraduate degree in Accountancy.