Minglanilla native tops therapist exam

Mariel Capuras wasn’t hoping for anything other than to pass the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Exam held last September 6 and 7.

So she was shocked to learn from a friend that she made it to the top 2 of the exam last Friday.

“Pagkabalo nako kay na-shock ko kay wala ko (When I was informed I was shocked and I did not) mag-expect and I was overwhelmed. Kay ang akoa lang makapasar sa (I only aimed to pass the) exam. Happy kaayo nga makapasar labi na nga naas (that I passed and especially made it to the) top,” Capuras said.

Capuras, who graduated last April, got an average score of 88.00 percent, next to Alma Castro of Cagayan State University- Andrews Campus (TUG), who scored 88.75 percent.

She said she went for a stroll in Divisoria, Manila, with her friends at 6 p.m. last Friday and she learned of the result after they checked back in their hotel rooms.

Capuras told Cebu Daily News in a phone interview that the other six who landed in the top 10 were her classmates in Cebu Doctor’s University.

They are Richard Rey Sevilleno who got 87.50 percent; Kryzia Kaye Cahoy, 87.25 percent; Katrina Alvor, who got 87 percent; Josephine Rose Cagoyong with 86.75 percent; Eugine Laplana, 86.25; and Jaline Jan Matalines, 86.25 percent.

Capuras, a native of Minglanilla town in Cebu province, said she frequently attended the review in the school.

“I prefer to study in our house because it is more tiring to travel going to school,” she said.

Capuras dedicated her achievement to her parents, especially to her father who worked as a biomedical engineer in Saudi Arabia.

“My inspiration is my family nga makabawi lang ko nila kay dako raba gasto kini akong kurso (that I can give back to them after spending so much to pay for my course),” she said.

Capuras wasn’t discouraged even after she had to retake a major subject. She believed it wasn’t luck that helped her end up in the top 10.

“Submit into yourself and submit to God. Ampo lang gyod ug salig sa imong kaulingon (Just pray always and believe in yourself),” she said.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that there were 597 out of 974 examinees who passed the two-day exam held in its testing centers in Manila, Baguio, Davao and Zamboanga.