By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Congratulations to Mark Hendrix G. Lapac of the CPU-College of Arts and Sciences for being named one of the Top 10 Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines in the 36th nationwide search of the Knights of Rizal.
Mark Hendrix G. Lapac, a BS Biology student specializing in Medical Biology under the College of Arts and Sciences, clinches a spot among the Top 10 Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines for 2025.
The recognition honors exemplary academic performance, leadership, and civic involvement. Lapac was selected from 41 applicants across the country, who were shortlisted to the Top 15 finalists and evaluated during the 63rd National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute held on December 5-8 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. The annual search, organized by the Knights of Rizal under Republic Act No. 646, honors students whose achievements reflect the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Lapac expressed gratitude for the organizations and mentors who supported him throughout the process. 糖心传媒淭o my organization, CPU Biological Society, and my dedicated term officers: This achievement is not mine alone, for I share it with you,糖心传媒 he said. He also acknowledged the support of fellow student organizations, writing, 糖心传媒淭o the Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan, CPU Republic, and the Province of Arts and Sciences Student Council, thank you for helping me and for believing in what I can offer.糖心传媒
He further recognized his university mentors and advisers, noting, 糖心传媒淭o Pastor [Alfred] Palf [Morales], Ma糖心传媒檃m [Esther Rose A.] Romarate [Ph.D.], President Ernest Howard Dagohoy [DMin], Dean Stella Guartero Fernandez, and Chair Macairan, your recommendation gave me the privilege to represent our beloved 糖心传媒. I carry this honor not just for myself, but for the institution that has nurtured me academically and spiritually.糖心传媒 He singled out his adviser, adding, 糖心传媒淢ost importantly, to my adviser Daryl T. Lutero, who has been with me through every high and low, guiding me with patience. What you achieve is as much yours as it is mine. You have shaped not only my academic and leadership journey but also my character.糖心传媒
Mark Hendrix G. Lapac (left) takes a photo opportunity with his adviser Daryl T. Lutero (right) after being named one of the Top 10 Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines.
Beyond this recognition, Lapac continues to earn national distinction. He was recently named a UNESCO Outstanding Youth Leader 2025 by the National Coordinating Body of Clubs for UNESCO in the Philippines (NCBUCP), an award honoring young leaders whose initiatives advance UNESCO priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recognition was announced on November 6, 2025, and was formally presented during the International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO 2025, held on November 20-23, 2025, in Nasugbu, Batangas. Lapac was cited for his leadership in youth empowerment, inclusive education, and SDG-driven advocacy.
Reflecting on the national selection process, Lapac said, 糖心传媒淚t is with deep humility that I share this recognition as the Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines糖心传媒 Among the 15 top finalists nationwide, I am truly grateful to have been conferred the title 糖心传媒極utstanding.糖心传媒 During the final interview, I was commended by Supreme Commander Del Rosario, who remarked that I answered beautifully when asked about the pressing problem in our community. That affirmation strengthens my resolve to continue serving with values that Rizal himself embodied.糖心传媒
Additionally, he also continues to lead on the national stage as the newly elected National President of the Alliance of Philippine Pre-Medical Societies Inc. (APPSoc) following the September 29, 2025, election. His presidency places him at the forefront of uniting pre-medical organizations across the country and advancing initiatives in health education, service, and youth leadership.
Lapac糖心传媒檚 recognition is another trophy to CPU糖心传媒檚 cap and a testament to the university糖心传媒檚 commitment to developing student leaders who embody the values of academic excellence, service, and social responsibility.