TOP OF THEIR CLASS: THREE CSU MEDTECH BOARD TOPNOTCHERS SHARE THEIR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Three graduates from Cagayan State University (CSU) – Trina Orro Bernal, Precious Fernandez Tabbu, and Angelica Mae Lizardo Balino – inspired fellow students and faculty as they shared their stories of perseverance and triumph after placing in the Top 10 of the 2025 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination (MTLE). The celebration was held during the parade of Batch Polaris on April 21, 2025, at the CSU Andrews Campus grounds.

𝐀 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝: 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐎𝐫𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 (𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟑)

For Trina Orro Bernal, placing third in the MTLE felt like a dream – both figuratively and literally. "I dreamed of being a topnotcher for so long, and after the exam, I even dreamed about it while sleeping. It still feels surreal," said Bernal.

Despite moments of self-doubt, Bernal trusted her academic foundation and internship training at AFP Medical Center and CVMC. “I knew I would pass because CSU and my internship shaped me well. The key is not comparing yourself to others—just focus on your own growth. Even small efforts count if you stay consistent.”

𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐮 (𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟓)

For Precious Tabbu, topping the boards was a step toward her ultimate dream—becoming a doctor. “Medicine has always been the dream, and I owe that to my parents. Their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support pushed me to pass the boards on my first try.”

Tabbu juggled preparing for both the MTLE and the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT), often doubting herself. But she leaned on the belief of those around her. “It was a hard three months, but my parents, friends, and mentors never gave up on me. Their support helped me hit 91.30% despite all my worries.”

𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥: 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨 (𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟗)

For Angelica Balino, her success was a product of faith and quiet persistence. She struggled with the transition to virtual reviews, a challenge for someone who thrives in face-to-face learning. “My routine wasn’t perfect, but I kept showing up. Even when I felt weak, I kept going.”

She credits God as her anchor throughout the journey. “God never left me. We didn’t make it here alone—our faith, our families, our mentors, and everyone who believed in us carried us through.” The celebration didn’t end with the parade. A Thanksgiving Mass presided by Fr. Ranhilio Aquino followed, along with a testimonial program attended by proud parents, faculty, and university officials including Atty. Carla L. Sumigad (CEO, Andrews Campus), Dr. Julius T. Capili (Dean, CAHS), and Mr. Enjay C. Javier (MLS Program Chair).

To honor their achievement, the university awarded cash incentives: ₱40,000 for Bernal, ₱30,000 for Tabbu, and ₱25,000 for Balino.

Their stories echo the collective triumph of all 160 board passers of Batch Polaris—a batch that continues to bring pride and excellence to CSU.