Three Negrenses earn top spots in Social Work board exam

BACOLOD CITY — Three women from Negros Island landed top spots in the September 2026 Social Work Licensure Examination, based on the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

They were Julian Mae Bico, who ranked seventh and garnered a rating of 92 percent, and Jobeth Adara Escander, who placed eighth and got a rating of 91.80 percent, both graduates of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) here; and Vanessa Carmel Regalado from Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, who earned the ninth spot, garnering a rating of 91.60 percent.

The UNO-R lauded the 50 takers who all passed the licensure examination conducted by the PRC from Sept. 9 to 11, and celebrated a 100% passing rate among first-time takers, with two of them placing in the top 10.

“We are proud of your hard work, perseverance, and dedication,” the university said in a Facebook post.

The UNO-R Social Work Program expressed its gratitude to CQA Review Center and other services for providing competent, quality, and affordable review support to the takers.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Palayog, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, congratulated its SK chairwoman, Bico, for her achievement, reflecting her dedication, perseverance, and passion for serving others.

“From being a youth leader in our community to becoming a licensed professional, you have shown that leadership and service can go hand in hand with excellence,” it said.

Bico took up a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree and graduated magna cum laude from UNO-R last June.

Meanwhile, the Cabacungan National High School in La Castellana also commended its alumna, Escander, for her achievement, highlighting her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

“May your success inspire our learners to dream big, work hard, and pursue their goals with determination,” it said.

Regalado, from Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, shared her journey in a Facebook post, including her preparations, challenges, and how she eventually succeeded in finishing the exam.

“I prayed. I worked hard. I had a village,” she wrote, adding that her goal from the very start of her review was to top the board exam.

“I always reminded myself to work at my own pace but never lose sight of what was at the end of the tunnel,” Regalado said.

She thanked the Lord, her family, mentors, and those who believed in and supported her.

“This is a reminder that with faith, hard work, and a village that believes in you, even the biggest dreams can become reality,” she said.

Mayor Jose “Pepe” Orlino also recognized the achievement of Regalado for bringing pride and honor to their beloved city.

“May your milestone serve as an inspiration to all Tanjayanon youth and future professionals,” he said.

According to the PRC, 8,383 of 10,991 examinees nationwide passed the examination, for a national passing rate of 76.27 percent.