CASS governor Ong earns national recognition as Outstanding Student Leader 2025

Report by Diya Nicole Gurung

Alexander Adrian S. Ong, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student at Tarlac State University (TSU), was recognized as one of the Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP) 2025 by Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC), Inc. on June 5.

Ong, who also serves as the two-term governor of the College of Arts and Social Sciences – Student Council (CASS-SC), is the lone representative from TSU in the fourth batch of national awardees.

The OSLP is an annual program initiated by TRAC Philippines, a non-profit organization founded in 2018 and registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission. The award honors student leaders who demonstrate exemplary leadership, public service, and impact in their academic institutions and communities.

According to Ong, his nomination was made possible through the endorsement of the university’s Student Affairs and Services (SAS) and Student Organizations’ Unit (SOU).

“This recognition is not mine alone. It is shared with every student I’ve served, every voice I’ve amplified, and every individual who believed in the power of youth-led change,” Cass Governor, Alexander Ong said.

Moreover, the selection process involved multiple stages, including written assessments, recommendation validations, and a final panel interview. Ong said his faith played a central role in the application process.

In an interview, Ong emphasized the value of authenticity in leadership, citing personal struggles as a source of strength.

“Sa aking interview, akin lamang ibinahagi ang totoong ako, sabi nga, “leaders are born from adversity,” at ang aking kahinaan ay ginawa kong kalakasan… Hindi ko ito nakita bilang something na nakakahiya, hindi ko ito nakita bilang something na dapat kong itago,” Ong stated.

Also, Ong said that TRAC was an opportunity that served as an instrument that could provide service to fellow citizens.

“Nabibigyan tayo ng mas malawak na sakop upang hindi na lamang tayo nakakulong sa ating kolehiyo, sa ating unibersidad, kundi tayo ay lalabas na sa ating komunidad upang magsilbi sa ating bayan at sa mga kababayan natin sa ating bansa,” Ong said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ong shared that he wants to raise more leaders who are empowered and transformed into “trailblazers of their own paths,” and become leaders of the path they choose to take.

As graduating student, Ong stated that his service will continue through various non-government youth-led and youth-serving organizations across the Philippines.

Furthermore, Ong's leadership credentials and advocacies—particularly in mental health awareness, gender equality, and youth empowerment—were key factors in his selection.

“I want to raise more leaders who are trailblazers in their own paths,” Gov. Ong said.

“Gaya ng lagi kong sinasambit, hindi natatapos sa apat na sulok ng pamantasan ang aking paninilbihan… Hindi matatapos ang pagbibigay natin ng serbisyo sa ating bayan at sa mga kapwa nating kabataan,” he assured.

Ong’s leadership efforts and advocacies on mental health awareness, gender equality, and youth empowerment contributed to his selection as an OSLP 2025 awardee.