University News

Notable Iskolars earn recognitions in Gawad Pagkilala 2025

Jasmine Joson, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) grants major awards to its exemplary students and coaches during the annual Gawad Pagkilala sa mga Natatanging Mag-aaral on October 10, 2025, at the University Gymnasium.

Graced by the presence of esteemed directors, faculty members, students, and their respective coaches hailing from the Mabini Campus and Satellite Campuses, the University Gym echoed with cheers and claps as the awarding ceremony recognized their academic excellence, influential leadership, athleticism, and cultural artistry.

Amongst the reputable directors and officials of the event was Assistant to the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development (AVPRED) Dr. Angelina E. Borican, who began the ceremony with her opening remarks.

The awarding ceremony was distinguished by four award categories: Natatanging Pinunong Mag-aaral, Nagwagi sa Akademikong Patimpalak ng Unibersidad, Natatanging Atleta, and Natatanging Artistang Kultural.

Each award category was then presented by the following key officials: Director of Office of the Student Services (OSS) Professor Jimmy M. Fernando; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) Professor Edelyn M. Mariano-Guillo; Director of Sports Development Program Office (SDPO) Professor Romulo B. Hubbard; and Director of University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) Professor Bely R. Ygot.

Champions of UAC 2025 Announced
The victors of the University Academic Contests (UAC) 2025 were also applauded during the ceremony’s Gawad Pagkilala sa mga Nagwagi sa Akademikong Patimpalak ng Unibersidad. After competing in multiple categories, the three were named as the Champions of UAC 2025: PUP Sto. Tomas clinched the overall champion title, the College of Education (COED) secured first place, and the College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS) placed second.

Reaping the Fruits of Labor
Second placer of Dagliang Talumpati of UAC 2025, James Reniel Villarey, looked back at his journey that led to his win.

“Of course, during our preparation, we had intensive training. I think that’s the hardest thing—the struggle there is whenever they give me a question, I must answer. But at the same time, that struggle helped me to gain enough knowledge that whatever question will be given to me, I know that I can answer.”

Despite these struggles, Villarey felt the most fulfilled after reaping the success of his hard work. He also expressed his gratitude for the people who believed in his capabilities after placing second.

“I feel fulfilled since all my hard work lasted weeks. In week one, we had intensive training, and I am happy that it bloomed into something good as I won an award. And I do believe that I deserve it. Besides that, I worked for it, I also owe this to my coaches and to the people that believed that I could win.”

Meanwhile, Alyssa Kylie Mallari of College of Human Kinetics, was recognized as Natatanging Atleta for bringing pride to the University through her exceptional Muaythai skills.

This recognition is not the first for Mallari as she is a renowned International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Champion and was named as the Young Olympic Ambassador, earlier this year. Her achievements are not an overnight success, but with determination and grit, Mallari has become one of the prominent figures of Muaythai—reaping the fruits of her labor.

Mallari explained, “Our hard work paid off but at the same time, it’s like, for me, every win, it’s another challenge that I should sustain or hopefully next time, something better.”

Villarey and Mallari’s triumphs reflect the wide array of capabilities witnessed in the awarding ceremony. It is proof that there is no such thing as impossible when dreams are paired with diligence.

Undoubtedly, the multiple victories became possible through outstanding PUP students and coaches—in parallel to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education). Through quality education provided by Sintang Paaralan, every Iskolar is destined for greater heights and the pinnacle of excellency.