Davao City celebrates the 13 Dabawenyo nursing topnotchers after their outstanding performance in the August–September 2026 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination
Davao City further cemented its standing as a center of healthcare education after 13 nursing graduates from the city’s higher education institutions placed among the country’s top-performing examinees in the August–September 2026 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE)
During her privilege speech on Tuesday, Councilor Jessica M. Bonguyan commended the newly registered nurses for their exceptional performance, perseverance, and dedication
“Behind every new ‘RN’ added to a name is a story of sleepless nights, immense sacrifices, and families who gave their last centavo to buy review materials and pay for tuition,” she said
Leading Davao City’s impressive showing was Clifford Jay Patoc Cafe of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), who placed second nationwide
San Pedro College (SPC) also produced several national topnotchers, with Maxine Angela Chua Yare ranking fifth and Khassmyr Alexandra Dela Cruz placing sixth
Nessa Faye Morado Amorado, Athena Grace Montebon Nicholas, and Paolo Jose Louis Nicolas Traspe of SPC, together with Jad Lara Lacaran Baid of ADDU, shared seventh place
The eighth spot was shared by Andrea Paula Lazaga Basquez and Breanna Colleen Millan Pangilinan of SPC and John Lloyd de Guzman Castillo of ADDU
Chabelita Zamora Batuyong of the University of Mindanao-Davao City placed ninth nationwide
Rounding out Davao City’s national topnotchers were Alynah Gabriele Castro Alicaway of ADDU and Celeste Dawn Jauod Ferrando of SPC, who shared 10th place
“The license you hold is a powerful tool, but it is also a heavy responsibility. Nursing is not merely a job; it is a sacred vocation. You will see humanity at its most vulnerable. You will be the hands that heal, the eyes that watch over the sick when families cannot, and the voice of comfort in a patient’s darkest hours. Never lose your empathy. Let your competence be matched only by your compassion,” Bonguyan said
She also recognized the successful examinees and strong board performances of Davao Doctors College (DDC), the University of Mindanao (UM), and the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), whose graduates continue to demonstrate Davao City’s strength as a premier hub for medical and nursing education in the country
To mark the achievement, Bonguyan sponsored a resolution conveying the City Government of Davao’s congratulations and commendation to the newly registered nurses and the 13 Davao City-based topnotchers for their exemplary performance in the September 2026 PNLE
“Through your grit and perseverance, you have transitioned from eager students to full-fledged healthcare professionals. You are the new heroes of our hospitals, our community health centers, and our city,” she said
The City Government of Davao likewise continues to support aspiring healthcare professionals through the EBSU Scholarship Program, which provides assistance to students pursuing Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy
Dabawenyos may reach EBSU through its official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ebsustep or by calling 241-1000 local 247. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal