NAME PROTECTED: Agaton and Cerilles Among the Philippines’ Most Outstanding
Two students from Aduana – Gordon College (GC) Chapter were recognized as the Most Outstanding BSCA Students of the Philippines for 2025 at an awards ceremony held by the Philippine Society of Customs Administration Students (PSCAS) Nationals on August 16 at Wind Residences, Tagaytay City.
Kris Rean Agaton was named the Top 1 Most Outstanding BSCA Student, while Renmmelle Kyle Cerilles secured the Top 3 position.
AGATON’S CUSTOMized JOURNEY
For Agaton, receiving the top honor was a moment of profound shock and validation.
She acknowledged experiencing personal doubt at the moment when she was nominated and considered her lack of extracurricular activities as a drawback compared to her fellow nominees across the country.
“I initially thought my chances of making it into the Top 10 were slim. That’s why, when I received the message that I ranked number one, I was overwhelmed with happiness and disbelief,” she added.
Furthermore, Agaton shared that her mother has always been the biggest source of motivation, as she’s been pushing her to move outside her comfort zone.
She revealed that, in her second year, she consistently declined opportunities for national competitions due to a “fear of failure.”
“Why not give it a try? It’s your last chance. I know you don’t regret turning down the chances before, but at least take this one as something you can look back on in the future,” her mother assured.
This encouragement helped her overcome her fear of failure.
CE-REALEST AND DEDICATION
On the other hand, Cerilles’s journey to the Top 3 position was a story of significant personal transformation. He admitted that he was far from what many would call ‘outstanding’ and did not always take academics as seriously as he should have.
“Honestly, if you look back at past years, I was far from what many would call ‘outstanding.’ I used to be the type of student who would rather stand outside the classroom,” Cerilles shared.
It was deliberate of him to give his best in whatever he did, and this eventually resulted in a leadership position at PSCAS-GC that took him to positions he never expected.
“This award is not just a recognition of what I achieved, but a reflection of how far I’ve come. From someone unsure of their place to someone willing to go beyond their borders,” he reflected.
Similarly, Cerilles attributed his success to the lessons and sacrifices of his parents.
He sees them as his “greatest mentors,” with his mother’s resilience and his father’s resourcefulness shaping his character and approach to challenges.
“They reminded me that success is never about individual effort alone, it is built upon the values, discipline, and character that we learn from those who raised us,” he emphasized.
When the two were asked what they felt was the most valuable piece of advice to give to other aspiring students of the Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration, both Agaton and Cerilles returned with bits of wisdom based primarily on their own experiences.
The advice given by Agaton focused on being aware of oneself and being focused.
The cluster I valedictorian urged students to remember their “why”—the reason they started—and to make that their anchor.
“Your journey is your own. Stay focused, be patient with yourself, and trust that your efforts—no matter how big or small—are leading you somewhere meaningful,” she reminded.
Meanwhile, Cerilles’ message was a call to “move beyond borders.”
Using the metaphor of an “aduana” (customs), he encouraged students to be brave enough to step out of their comfort zones.
Whether it is joining a student organization or taking academics more seriously, it brings one closer to discovering one’s true potential, he advised the students that growth only happens when you dare to cross those borders. | via Princess Alliyah Danday/The FOREFRONT
Photo Credits to PSCAS – Gordon College’s Official Facebook Page
News Source: The Forefront (Read article here.)
