By Xander Ledesma
Twelve graduates from four Cebu universities excelled in the November Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announcing the results on Friday.
Chariemae Cañazares, a graduate of Cebu Normal University (CNU), secured the top spot with a score of 92.6%. Eight of the 12 top-performing examinees are also from CNU, which has consistently demonstrated its excellence in nursing education.
CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan highlighted the institution’s success, noting that CNU has maintained a 100% passing rate for 13 consecutive years. “With our nine topnotchers and a perfect passing rate, CNU continues to be one of the top-performing nursing schools in the country,” Tubilan said during a press conference.
Other CNU graduates who ranked in the top 10 include Marc Emmanuel Arepal Estillore (4th, 91.8%), Jaymi Loise Basilla Abellana (5th, 91.6%), Liza May Collamar Salas (6th, 91.4%), and Laarni Jane Acibo Durango (7th, 91.2%). Tied for eighth place with a score of 91% are Mae Jyn Bartido Rosalita and Mary Angelique Jore Tabasa, while Roy Justin Harani Erandio placed ninth with 90.8%.
Two graduates from Velez College, Adrianne Lauren Torres Ozaraga and Kert Bea Labus Rom, tied for 10th place with a score of 90.6%. Roxxane Virgie Bebanco Libron of Cebu Doctors University also ranked ninth with 90.8%.
The PRC reported that 29,349 out of 34,534 examinees passed the licensure exam conducted nationwide on November 9 and 10. Cañazares expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to graduate from a tuition-free state university and expressed her desire to give back to her community through service.
With their achievements, Cebu’s nursing schools continue to solidify their reputation as leading institutions in the field of nursing education in the Philippines.