Being called an Outstanding Filipino is not just a matter of glory, but also a responsibility to be an inspiration not only to Filipinos but also to people around the world.
The JCI Senate Philippines, in partnership with Ropali Group of Companies, officially launches the 2025 Search for The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards — a prestigious nationwide recognition honoring exemplary Filipinos aged 41 and above whose integrity, excellence, and service have left an enduring impact on the nation.
What is TOFIL?
“Simple word? Noble prize. We want TOFIL to be the Noble Prize in the Philippines because it is really a prestigious award that we want our young generations to aspire for,” says 2025 National President of JCI Senate Philippines, Dr. Cecilia M. Dy.
“It’s very important that we look into our kababayans who are really doing their best, striving to have a good life, because that is for their family and at the same time, giving service to our community while doing their business, while doing their career, they are inspiring people,” Dr. Cecila M. Dy on the next Outstanding Filipino.
How many nominations do they receive?
“We started the search in 1988, as I was chairman 25 years ago. Every year, there are different numbers of nominations that we receive, from 70 to 150 nominations. And of course, after receiving the nominations, after the deadline, it goes through a vetting process. We have to evaluate it kasi baka ‘yung iba hindi pa 41 years old. But it’s not the job of the search committee to judge; they just look at it, remove the ones that are not supposed to be on the list. They sometimes make recommendations but at the end of the day, it’s really the panel of the board of judges and the chairman of the board of judges that decide,” shares 2025 National Executive Vice President of JCI Senate Philippines, Ms. Mylene Mendoza Dayrit.
How is the selection process?
For our search, it’s open. More people to join, the better para mas marami tayong stories, mas marami tayong inspiration na makuha. But for the winners, The Outstanding Filipino, we are only getting one per category. We’re going to be very strict because we want them to be the title, to be the industry leaders. The best of the best kumbaga. And they are the shakers and movers per industry but I will, of course, we will heed to the knowledge of the board of judges,” 2025 TOFIL National Chairperson Rey Felix Rafols answers.
Who can join the government sector category?
“Any person who has served the government, basta ang kanyang naging accomplishment, ang kanyang naging mission nationwide na programa or nagawa ay through government work. It can be past government official, past government employee, it could be current. Basta ang importante, ang nagawa niya sa bayan natin ay though government,” Mr. Rafols continues.
How many will be awarded this year?
“We are hoping to award five this year: Government Sector, Private Sector, Academic Community, Non-Government Organizations and Civil Society Organizations and Past The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Honorees,” shares Mr. Rafols.
Eligibility
- Filipino citizen (natural-born, naturalized, or dual citizenship)
- At least 41 years old
- Must demonstrate good moral character and integrity
- Must have made a significant and lasting impact in their profession or community
Award Categories
- Government Sector
- Private Sector
- Academic Community
- Non-Government Organizations and Civil Society Organizations
- Past The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Honorees
Requirements
- Accomplished nomination form
- PSA birth certificate (issued within the last six months)
- Valid Police and NBI Clearances
- Formal portrait (5R size, 2 copies)
- Two-page executive summary
- Portfolio/nomination book (max. 50 pages)
Submission
- Hardcopy: JCI Senate Philippines Office, 2F 14 Don A. Roces Ave., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City
- Softcopy: awards@tofil.org | Subject: 2025 TOFIL Nomination\_\[Name]
For nomination forms and more information, visit https://tofil.org or contact the TOFIL Search Committee at awards@tofil.org.
Nomination Deadline: August 23, 2025
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