The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) hosted the national final screening for the 53rd Philippine International Friendship and Understanding Association (PIFUA) Search for the Most Outstanding International Students in the Philippines 2026–2027 at the Finster Hall of All Nations on September 22, 2026, bringing together eight international student nominees from higher education institutions across the country.

The program recognized the contributions and leadership potential of international students while providing a venue to promote international understanding, social consciousness, and concern for the welfare of international students in the Philippines.

In her welcome message, Dr. Arceli Rosario, AUP president, thanked PIFUA for selecting AUP as the venue for this year’s search. She also recalled the University’s connection to last year’s recognition, when Evan Kaloh, an AUP alumnus, received the title of Most Outstanding International Student of the Philippines.

“I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our organizers for choosing our campus as the home for this year’s search. Last year, our own Evan Kaloh, a student from AUP, was honored with the title of the Most Outstanding International Student of the Philippines,” Rosario said.

She described Kaloh’s experience as a reminder of the role educational institutions play in developing international students. “Evan’s journey reminded us that when international students are nurtured in an environment of excellence and faith, they become powerful catalysts for positive change,” she added. “Hosting this event today feels like a beautiful full-circle moment for us, a celebration of legacy passed on,” she expressed.

Ms. Alma Tirona, PIFUA president, likewise recalled AUP’s longstanding connection with the organization. She noted that PIFUA held activities at AUP as early as the 1980s  when the institution was still known as Philippine Union College. “Even when AUP was still Philippine Union College, you have had several numbers of outstanding international students,” Tirona said.

As PIFUA marked its 74th year, Tirona welcomed the participants to the 53rd search and explained the purpose of the annual program. She said the search sought to focus community attention on the presence of international students in the country, identify their leadership potential and capabilities, encourage social consciousness, and promote international citizenship and concern for the welfare of international students while supporting their scholastic performance. “Today’s screening of nominees is the final selection process,” Tirona said.

The eight nominees competed in two categories. The undergraduate category included Ezekiel D’zombe of AUP, Tanzania; Kiara Barnett of Ateneo de Davao University, United States; Olaa Ramadan Haman of Centro Escholar University, Sudan; Noon Pin Pyan Tunsi of Saint Louis University, Myanmar; and Hoon Yoon Cho of Silliman University, Korea.

The graduate category included Hien Tusi Nyan of Saint Louis University, Myanmar; Abicate Anemola of Silliman University, Angola; and Thando’luhle Tia Thusi of AUP, South Africa.

The final screening featured several activities designed to allow the nominees to demonstrate their knowledge, communication skills, leadership potential, and individual abilities. These included a panel interview, written examination, extemporaneous speech, talent presentation, and the concluding “Five Minutes with the Nominees.”

AUP also welcomed the participating institutions and guests through a campus tour. The program featured performances by the Advent Euphonic Chorale (AEC) and YADAH Acapella, adding a cultural and artistic dimension to the gathering.

The event concluded with a closing message from Dr. Marcon Espino, PIFUA secretary; closing remarks from Oemer Rey Daquila, AUP Advancement Office director; and a benediction by Dr. Maureen Mariñas, AUP Institutional Quality Assurance director.

For AUP, hosting the national screening continued the University’s participation in an initiative that brings together students from different nations and educational institutions. It also reflected the University’s commitment to providing an environment where academic excellence, Christlike character, and exemplary service extend beyond academic formation and contribute to a broader culture of international understanding and service.