TWO graduates from schools in Davao City topped the criminologist licensure examination (CLE) in December 2022, according to the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on January 19, 2023.
Caira Sevilla Del Castillo, cum laude, and a student leader from Holy Cross of Davao College ranked sixth with an average score of 90.30 percent.
She said her goal was to pass the licensure exam but also prayed that she will be able to top the exam.
“Gina-insert nako sa akong pag-ampo, na unta kung itugot nimo ginoo isangit pud ko sa list sa mga topnotchers (I asked God, if he will allow, I would like to be part of the topnotchers),” she said in an interview with SunStar Davao on January 20, 2023.
Del Castillo said she was almost not able to take the examination in December 2022 because their requirements were not yet available.
“Hapit na last day of filing na, giulan pa gyud mi, unya gabii na kaayo naa pa mi sa PRC murag hangtod 10:00 p.m. guro mi didto. Giampoan na pud namo to nga Lord kung para gyud ni sa amoa pa-filon gyud mi nimo today (It was the last day of exam, it was raining, and we’re still at PRC late in the evening. We prayed to God asking him if this was really meant for us),” she said.
Del Castillo said during review, she also faced financial problems because she was not from a well-off family and was raised alone by her mother and financially assisted by her relatives. She also experienced stress resulting in being burnt out.
“It’s normal sa mga naga-review, unya daghan naga-ingon nga moagi gyud daw ka ani nga stage, tapos overthinking (They said it's normal for those who are reviewing that they will experience this stage),” she said.
Del Castillo said when she loses motivation, she thinks about the people who have supported her throughout her journey in achieving her childhood dream.
She said upon passing the licensure exam, she has plans to pursue her chosen career path to become a police.
Meanwhile, Nicole Faye Roble Villanueva, a cum laude from the University of Mindanao - Davao City, ranked eighth with an average score of 90 percent.
She said everything seems surreal.
“Wala po talaga kong binibigkas kundi ang pagpapasalamat sa Diyos kasi ibinibigay talaga niya ang mga bagay na hindi natin iniexpect. Mas marami pa po prayers ko sa binabasa ko (I thank God for this blessing, and this is very unexpected. I actually prayed more than what I was reading) ,” Villanueva said in an interview with SunStar Davao.
She said her parents inspired and motivated her in her journey.
“Napaka importante po talaga na marunong tayong makinig sa mga magulang natin kasi sila po talaga ang nakaka alam ng kung ano ang mas mabuti sa atin (It is important that we know how to listen with what our parents are telling us because they know what’s better for us),” she said.
Despite having support around her, Villanueva admitted that she has encountered several challenges along the way, aside from financial challenges, she also has fought hard with her mental health.
“Kasi nagiging sagabal po sya sa mga inaaral, palagi kong na aalala na baka kapag hindi ako pumasa sa CLE masasabihan ako ng ibang na na ‘akala ko ba cum laude yan? Bakit hindi naka pasa sa board exam’ (It became a hindrance while I'm reviewing and I am pressured to perform well because people might question me if I fail since I graduated as cum laude),” she said.
Now that she passed the CLE with flying colors, she advised the students to always pray to God and tell him everything.
Also, she said that those who are taking the board exam to always read and review with friends.
“Kasi napaka effective ng merong discussions between you and your friends kasi tatatak at tatatak talaga yan sa mga utak ninyo. Fighting lang po palagi at maniwala na kayo ky magkakaroon ng lisensya in God's perfect time (It’s very effective that you will have a discussion with your friends because it will help you to remember what you have studied and it will be inculcated in your mind. Believe that God will bless you with a license in perfect time),” she said.
PRC announced that only 11,098 takers have passed the exam or 33.14 percent of the total number of examinees. KSD