TEN graduates from different universities in Cebu were listed among the Top 10 when the August 2017 Occupational Therapist (OT) board exam results, conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), were released.
From Velez College were Gennelyn Lagulay Ariosa (third, 81.4 percent), Halima Handang Sibog (sixth, 80.6), Darryl Codeniera Famador (seventh, 80.4) and Frances Cuyos (eighth, 80.2). From Cebu Doctors’ University were Chelsea Sevilla Calano (fourth, 81.2), Regine Mariz Montero (fourth, 81.2), Justine Jane Ting (fifth, 81), Christine Monterroyo (sixth, 80.6), Iris Elline Querubin (seventh, 80.4) and Armani Pontino (eighth, 80.2).
Not the first choice
There were also three graduates from Cebu among the Top 5 in the Physical Therapist (PT) Board Exam. Ranking first from Velez College was Bret Tibay Pelesco, who scored 86.45 percent. Daniel Dominick Te from Cebu Doctors’ University ranked third with 86 percent, while Mitchel Vincent Antigua from Velez College ranked fifth with 85.55 percent.
“The exam was really hard. I didn't expect to be included in the top 10. PT wasn't my first choice. I couldn't find a decent astronomy school in the Philippines so I took PT and I grew more passionate about it,” said Te.
Pontino said he was initially shocked when his friend told him about the news. He thought they were joking.
“While preparing for the exam I learned that pacing myself and not pressuring myself too much was beneficial,” he said.
Querubin said she has always wanted to be an OT since she was 13.
“Now, I guess I'm just going to see where God leads me,” she said.
“My greatest dream in life is to spread awareness and help people understand all types of disabilities better. From physical disabilities to pediatric disorders and, most importantly, mental disabilities because it's really something we don’t talk about in our country and something we need to pay more attention to,” said Ting.
“OT defines and brings to your perspective a new meaning for ‘service.' I think that just being able to serve and be a vital instrument in bringing change to someone's life--no matter how little it may seem to be--is already a great reward in itself,” said Famador.
Pressure
He admitted that he felt slight pressure going into the exam because his aunt and cousin also landed in the top 10 during their time.
“I did not expect that I would see my name on that list, so I felt nothing when I saw the result,” shared Pelesco.
He said he had originally wanted to become an aviation engineer and that he had studied eight hours a day and took review classes as a guide for lessons and topics to focus on.
“I’d like to thank myself for my efforts,” he joked when he talked about the amount of work he had put into his achievement.
All the interviewed top-notchers said that they want to thank God, their family, friends, significant others, and lecturers for all the support and all they had been taught to accomplish their achievements.
“The moment I saw my name on the list, I immediately bowed down and prayed to God, thanking Him. I prepared for the exam, not only by studying hard, but also praying hard. My family inspired me to pursue this field since most of my relatives are in medicine. I want to, most especially, thank almighty God who made this all happen. I am nothing without im,” said Antigua.