Honoring the few who lift the many
The search is on once again for The Outstanding Filipino (Tofil), but beyond the prestige and photo ops, the real prize is something far more powerful: It puts a spotlight on their advocacy and allows their work to reach more people.
Now in its 36th year, the Tofil Awards—organized by the JCI Senate Philippines and supported by the Ropali Group of Companies—is calling for nominations of exceptional Filipinos ages 41 and above whose careers and advocacies have contributed to national progress.
But more than a recognition of individual brilliance, Tofil places the spotlight on the causes its honorees champion.
“Being a Tofil awardee gives your advocacy a better chance to impact more people,” said Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, JCI Senate’s 2025 national executive vice president. “When your work is seen by JCI Senate and our 55 local chapters—plus 250 more from JCI Philippines—you’re suddenly part of a network of thousands of changemakers. That’s where legacy begins.”
Each year, Tofil receives between 50 to 150 nominations across multiple categories. Only five honorees will be selected—one each for government, private sector, academe, civil society, and past The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees.
“We cast a wide net, but when it comes to awarding, we’re very strict,” said Rey Felix Rafols, this year’s Tofil national chairperson. “The title must carry weight. These winners are the best of the best—leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The more nominations we receive, the more stories of inspiration we get to share. But the bar is high.”
All nominations go through a vetting process that starts with local JCI Senate chapter endorsements, followed by a panel of judges. While anyone can submit a nomination, only those who meet the criteria will move forward.
Let’s be clear: There’s no cash prize. The Tofil award is the reward. Winners receive a 27-inch solid narra wood trophy designed by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, himself a 1959 TOYM honoree.
Sense of fulfillment
“As a former Tofil awardee, I can say there are two sides to the experience,” said Roberto Alingog, Ropali Group chair and Tofil sponsor. “There’s the external recognition—people begin to see your work as worthy of emulating. And then there’s the internal part—that quiet sense of fulfillment. You realize you’ve lived a life that mattered.”
For Alingog, supporting Tofil isn’t just good corporate citizenship, but also a personal belief in the power of role models. “We need symbols of excellence. The people who give back are usually the least likely to seek attention. Tofil helps share their stories so others can be inspired to follow.”
Running the program isn’t without challenges. “Funding is a constant concern,” Mendoza-Dayrit admitted. “We’re all volunteers. That’s why we’re so thankful for the Ropali Group’s support. Another challenge is finding nominees. The people doing the most meaningful work rarely look for the spotlight—but those are exactly the people we need to honor.”
Rafols agreed: “My role isn’t just to select honorees. It’s also to help promote their causes. If their story inspires even one person to act, then we’ve already made an impact.”
Nominations are open until Aug. 23. Eligible nominees must be Filipino citizens (natural-born, naturalized, or dual), at least 41 years old, with good moral character and a record of significant, lasting contributions in their field or community.
As Mendoza-Dayrit put it: “The Tofil award isn’t just a trophy. It’s a megaphone for good.”
Nomination forms and submission details are available at tofil.org, or by emailing awards@tofil.org. Printed forms may also be submitted to the JCI Senate Philippines Office at 2F, 14 Don A. Roces Ave., Brgy. Paligsahan, QC.
