BACOLOD CITY – JCI Bacolod, Inc. honored four student-leaders from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) during the 54th The Outstanding Students (THOS) Awards and the 40th Youth Leadership Excellence Award (YLEA) held June 7, 2025, at CityMall Mandalagan.
Dermelyn Irish Hinojales, president of the Federation of CHMSU University Student Government, was named one of this year’s THOS awardees.
Hinojales, a fourth-year Bachelor of Public Administration student, was also recognized as the Best SDG Advocacy Awardee and one of the YLEA recipients.
Joining her as YLEA awardees were Dierdre Rossell Azucena, Ivan Jay Esmino and Alliah Shane Salditos.
The CHMSU student-leaders were accompanied by Student Affairs and Services Director Maria Victoria Violanda at the awards ceremony.
Through the THOS and YLEA programs, JCI Bacolod recognizes students who excel in academics, leadership and community service to inspire youth-driven change.
Azucena is editor-in-chief of The Technopacer Talisay and a graduating Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English.
Esmino and Salditos are senior BS Accountancy students at the Fortune Towne Campus.
Both serve as officers of the Negros Occidental Confederation – Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NECONFED JPIA), with Esmino and Salditos as the outgoing president and secretary, respectively.
“These awards hold the weight of countless prayers, sacrifices and moments of quiet perseverance,” said Hinojales, who also leads the University Student Government at the Talisay Campus.
She credited God, her family and mentors “whose love and support remain the foundation of my strength.”
She also acknowledged the influence of her friends, colleagues, peers and organizations in shaping her as a leader.
“CHMSU truly stands as a powerhouse of excellence, producing board topnotchers, nation-builders and outstanding students recognized with honors like THOS—a recognition I now humbly carry,” she added.
The awards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting quality education, strong institutions and community engagement.
JCI aims to empower young leaders to serve with purpose and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
