Eight aspiring students are now being evaluated by the Regional Selection Body (RSB) to be the region’s candidates in the national search for a modern Rizal. Dubbed as “makabagong Rizal,” they must display the qualities of the national hero, show active involvement in the society, and exhibit commitment to the community/school/region’s goals.

The eight nominees are: Honesto M. Andres, Jr. and Danhill P. Fernandez of North Eastern College, Jayson R. Benavize and Christian Joy P. Carabbacan of Isabela State University-Echague, and Jay-Bie M. Bicera of ISU-Cabagan for the tertiary level; and Julienne Grace E. Bautista, Deia G. Bruno, and Samuel Heinrich L. Soliven of Saint Mary’s University High School for the secondary level.

They were interviewed yesterday by the RSB composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as the Chair, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Federation of Senior Citizen Association of the Philippines (FSCAP), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

NEDA OIC-Regional Director Angelo C. Santos congratulated the students for being shortlisted as regional finalists for said search. He emphasized that they must be able to present themselves as the “Pag-asa ng Bayan,” and narrate stories of how they inspired others with their every action.

“This is only our second time to conduct this Search, and we are very happy to note that we here in Region 02 keep producing several potential new Rizals every year,” he added. In 2011, where the Search was first conducted, three of the regional finalists were hailed as among the 35 Youth Leaders for Rizal.