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The JCI Senate Philippines, in partnership with the Ropali Group of Companies, officially begins the nationwide search for the 2025 The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards. This distinguished recognition honors Filipinos aged 41 and older who embody integrity, professional excellence, and a strong commitment to serving the nation.

TOFIL 2025 held its media launch this Independence Day, June 12, in Pasig City. Here are the key answers from the team behind the award giving body during its question-and-answer portion with the media.

First established in 1988, the TOFIL Awards has since become one of the country’s most prestigious honors. It celebrates individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on their fields and the broader community. Previous recipients have made significant strides in areas such as education, governance, business, social development, and more.

Nominees must be Filipino citizens—whether natural-born, naturalized, or holding dual citizenship—and should demonstrate strong moral character, proven leadership, and a deep sense of service. At the time of nomination, candidates must be at least 41 years old and have created meaningful, long-term impact either within their professional field or through public service.

Qualified individuals may be nominated in the following categories:

• Government Sector
• Private Sector
• Academic Community
• Non-Government Organizations and Civil Society Organizations
• Past The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Honorees

Nominations must be submitted with the following documents:

• Accomplished nomination form
• Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (within the last six months)
• Valid Police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances
• Two 5R-sized formal portraits
• A two-page executive summary
• A detailed nomination portfolio (maximum of 50 pages)

Submissions must be sent in both hardcopy and softcopy formats. Hard copies must be delivered to the JCI Senate Philippines Office at 2nd Floor, 14 Don A. Roces Ave., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City. Soft copies should be emailed to awards@tofil.org with the subject line: 2025 TOFIL Nomination_[Name].

The deadline for submission of all complete nomination packages is August 23, 2025. Submissions with all required documentation will be acknowledged by August 31, 2025, while incomplete nominations will not be considered.

The TOFIL Awards follows a rigorous screening and selection process grounded in the JCI Creed. The selection criteria emphasize service to humanity, integrity, and contributions that strengthen national development.

Award Symbolism

Designed by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, a 1959 TOYM Honoree and former Dean of the UP College of Fine Arts, the TOFIL trophy stands as a powerful symbol of achievement. The 27-inch trophy is carved from solid narra wood:

• Its irregular polygonal shape signifies the multifaceted nature of human endeavor.
• Its gradual narrowing toward the top represents the peak of success.
• Its wide base and use of durable narra wood reflect strength of purpose and a firm foundation.

About the TOFIL Awards

The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards is a prestigious recognition program launched in 1988 by the JCI Senate Philippines in partnership with Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd. It seeks to institutionalize the public acknowledgment of exemplary Filipinos aged 41 and above whose accomplishments have advanced their fields, promoted public welfare, and contributed to national progress. The award highlights individuals who serve as role models through their excellence, service, and integrity.

For nomination forms and complete details, visit https://tofil.org or reach out to the TOFIL Search Committee via email at awards@tofil.org.

Let us recognize and celebrate those whose outstanding work and values inspire the nation—nominate an Outstanding Filipino today.