Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
The University of the Philippines College of Nursing (UPCN) has once again demonstrated its unmatched excellence, achieving a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE). This achievement continues a 76-year tradition of success, dating back to 1948, and solidifies UPCN’s reputation as the country’s top-performing nursing school. Among its graduates, ten secured spots in the top ten, embodying the values of honor, excellence, and service that UPCN upholds.
“Pushed to the Limits”
For Arianne Marie B. Estrella, who ranked second with an impressive score of 92.20%, the journey to success was nothing short of transformative. Starting college during the pandemic, she navigated the hurdles of adjusting to both online and face-to-face learning environments.
“It was mostly the clinical duties that made such an impact on me,” she shared. “They felt like the synthesis of our lectures. We were exposed to patient cases no lecture could have fully captured and experiences no practice could have entirely prepared us for.”
Estrella also credited UPCN’s demanding training for her success in the licensure exam. “Being at UPCN means being constantly pushed to the limits, and I think it was that rigorous training that helped me gain the confidence I needed for the NLE,” she added.
Edline Aubrey P. Sarmiento, who placed fifth with a score of 91.60%, described her journey as one of resilience and self-discovery. Initially waitlisted for the program, she faced immense pressure once admitted.
“The infamous saying that CN would either make or break you proved true. The past four years were filled with challenges—endless papers, breakdowns, and sleepless nights,” she admitted. Yet, it was the support of her family, friends, and mentors that kept her grounded. “I am also deeply grateful to the patients and communities I had the privilege to serve, as they imparted invaluable lessons and helped me grow in ways no classroom ever could,” she added.
“UPCN’s ‘Tough Love’”
Trevor Phoenix E. Lomotos, who tied for tenth place with a score of 90.60%, recounted the struggles of studying during the pandemic. “The UP College of Nursing experience is definitely NOT all rainbows and butterflies. Like many before us, we have our fair share of disappointments and rough starts,” he said.
Despite these difficulties, he credits the “tough love” of UPCN for preparing him not only for the licensure exam but for the demands of real-world nursing. “The UP College of Nursing is definitely one of the best training grounds to be nursing leaders. All of these experiences that challenged my determination I will definitely carry as a professional nurse,” Lomotos said.
Leoneil Jenz B. Erna, who placed eighth with a score of 91.00%, found strength in the support of his professors and peers. “The very rigorous environment of UPCN, both in academics and clinical rotations, pushed me beyond my limits and provided me a profound understanding of the diverse realities of Philippine healthcare,” he said. “My education has shaped me to think deeper, push for healthcare equity, and see patients holistically. It also taught me that nursing is as much about service, compassion, integrity, and empathy as it is about clinical competence.”
Strengthening Community Health
The topnotchers’ commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and strengthening community health stands out as a common goal. Joan Danielle D. Gigataras, who tied for ninth place, emphasized the transformative power of health education. “The most memorable experiences throughout my nursing journey have always been with our patients and their families. Whether it was conducting community home visits or performing ward duties, I found deep fulfillment in connecting with patients,” she shared.
“Throughout my nursing journey, I’ve seen firsthand how education can empower individuals to take charge of their health, so I aim to use my knowledge to equip others, especially future nurses, with the skills and understanding necessary to make a difference. At the same time, I want to remain actively involved in the clinical setting to provide direct care to patients,” she said.
Kristine Talavera, another ninth-placer, reflected on her most rewarding moments in nursing. “The interactions with patients and their families—thanking me for my care, seeing them apply what I had taught them, and hearing them call me ‘nurse’—were moments of immense fulfillment. These moments made me realize I could make a meaningful difference despite doubting my capabilities,” she shared. Talavera is passionate about addressing mental health issues and promoting systemic reforms. “Beyond providing nursing care, I believe that nurses must also look at the root cause and advocate for systemic changes that could yield better healthcare delivery and outcomes for the Filipinos,” she said.
Tenth-placer Mark John L. Aguilar shared how UPCN’s education and training shaped him into a resilient individual ready for the demands of nursing. “In a country with a flawed healthcare system, nurses must be resourceful and make the most of the limited resources available. Despite the exhaustion from long hours, the low pay, and the lack of recognition, the passion for helping others selflessly often prevails,” he said.
Aguilar shared his vision for bridging hospital care with community health: “My primary role will be centered on the tertiary level of care, particularly in the rehabilitative phase, where I aim to emphasize health education. This includes guiding patients on necessary lifestyle modifications and ensuring they have access to community resources that support the continuity of their care,” he noted.
A Shared Vision for Nursing Leadership
Rianne Danielle P. Javinal, who placed seventh, reflected on the grassroots-level impact of nursing. “One of my most memorable experiences was our hospital and community duties. The guidance and support from our professors, buddy nurses, community health workers, and patients were invaluable. They helped me develop a deeper understanding of patient care and nursing practice,” she said.
“My education at UPCN deepened my appreciation for nursing and its vital role in society. It inspired me to advocate for the profession’s significance and emphasize the need for better support and compensation for healthcare workers in the Philippines.”
Kayla Angelica A. Gonzalez, another tenth-placer, highlighted the value of collaboration in tackling healthcare disparities. “UPCN will expose you to the reality of the people and the healthcare system in the country. During our community duties, we would immerse ourselves in different barangays and engage in conversations with the community leaders and the residents. These experiences showed us that health is multifactorial and affects diverse populations,” she explained.
“To better address the emerging issues affecting communities, it is also essential to collaborate with stakeholders to influence public policy.”
Ivan John Anton T. Zuñiga, who tied for ninth, turned his setbacks into stepping stones. “One of the most valuable lessons I have learned at the University of the Philippines College of Nursing is to never let failures hold you back but rather, use them as stepping stones to rise stronger and better,” he said. He plans to use social media as a platform to promote health education, counter misinformation, and advocate for preventive care.
As they step into their roles as professional nurses, UPCN’s topnotchers carry with them a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. Their shared experiences at UPCN have equipped them with resilience, compassion, and the drive to effect meaningful change in the nation’s healthcare system.#