Topnotchers Lloyd Nacua, Rosette Pagpaguitan, and Anthony Acenas strike a pose with Southwestern University (SWU) officials during the topnotchers awarding ceremony. (Contributed photo)
Southwestern University (SWU) continues its streak of producing topnotchers across all professional fields since day one. The institution has once again emerged at the top during the recent licensure examinations as four of their alumni bagged the most-coveted top spots, thereby cementing their reputation as one of the top-performing universities in the region and in the country as well.
Alumni Rosette Gaditano Pagpaguitan and Lloyd Sumampong Nacua garnered the first and second place respectively during the December 2015 and January 2016 Dentist Licensure Examination held in Manila.
During the special awarding ceremony held by SWU to honor all their recent topnotchers, Pagpaguitan and Nacua expressed their gratitude to the university for honing them into the professionals that they have become and also encouraged SWU students to follow their steps. “To those who are aspiring to become board passers and topnotchers when their time comes, just enjoy the whole ride. Study hard and don’t forget to pray,” Pagpaguitan said.
Meanwhile, Nacua told the students present during the program to lay a good learning foundation as early as first year and set their priorities straight. Both alumni were student leaders during their time in SWU and graduated Cum Laude.
Pagpaguita has been offered a full time job at Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) in Manila while Nacua sets his eyes on practicing his profession here in Cebu. He hopes to put up his own dental clinic in the future. To contribute to the community, the two hope to step up dental health awareness in Cebu province most especially in the rural areas where people have less access to dental services.
Childhood friends Anthony Palaran Acenas and Nancy Karen Paete Sabandal also brought honor to SWU this year. Both hailing from Leyte, the two garnered the first and fourth places respectively during the February 2016 Physical Therapist Licensure Examination.
After receiving his hard-earned award, Acenas reminded every student in the crowd to be an active learner and not rely on the lessons that their teachers impart to them in class. “It is a student’s responsibility to take learning to a higher level through extensive reading and research,” he said.
The topnotcher also added there is no substitute for hardwork. An academic scholar for four years and a sports enthusiast, Acenas graduated Magna Cum Laude. His future plans include joining the academe or pursue medicine.
Bryan John Gonzaga completes SWU’s roster of topnotchers after landing on the tenth spot during the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination last March 2016. He is the only one from a Cebu-based school that made it to the top ten this year.
On top of their certificates, the topnotchers also received cash prizes from SWU.