To honor the hard work and achievement of the topnotchers of the 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examinations (PNLE), the Cebu Normal University (CNU) awarded the cash incentives during the regular flag-raising ceremony this morning.

 

Kristina Ysabel Degula and Helena Ruth Lapurga, 5th and 6th placers, respectively, both received Php 80,000, while Byron Chu and Marielle Eliza Mascarinas, 8th and 10th placers, respectively, received Php 50,000 each as provided by the University’s Professional Achievement Awards and cash incentives.

 

CNU President Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr., along with the administrative officials, handed over the checks to the topnotchers before faculty members, administrative officers, and staff.

 

The University President, in his speech, lauded the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) for “sustaining the tradition of excellence, having obtained 100 percent [passing rate] for 14 consistent years.”

 

Moreover, he also praised the four topnotchers for their achievement amidst natural disasters.

 

“I know that on the day you took the exam, there was a typhoon, and despite the disaster, you continued your devotion to fulfilling your dreams,” he said.

 

“Your achievement is a testimony of your hard work, passion, resiliency, agility, and of course, faith in God,” he added.

The topnotchers delivered their speeches, recalled their journey, and expressed their gratitude to everyone who became a part of their journey.

 

The fifth placer in the board exams, Kristina Ysabel Degula, in her speech, also thanked her family and friends, whom she considered “the most supportive individuals who strengthened me when my motivation was at its lowest.”

 

As one of the thousands of beneficiaries of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Degula also thanked the university and the taxpayers for making her dreams a reality.

 

“Thank you to the university and to the Filipino taxpayers for helping me realize my dream of completing a quality tertiary education,” she said.

 

Congratulations, passers and topnotchers!