13/05/2026
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ππππππ | Beyond the Ranks: The Faith and Struggles of CTU Nagaβs First LPT Topnotcher
Cheers and applause echoed through the Cebu Technological University β Naga Extension Campus as the academic community gathered to honor Ms. Mariel B. Umbay. Making history as the campusβs first-ever topnotcher, Ms. Umbay secured the 7th spot in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Bachelor in Elementary Education) with a remarkable 93.40% rating. Yet, behind this monumental achievement is a relatable story of nerve-racking anxiety, self-doubt, and profound faith.
Despite her stellar ranking, Umbay admitted that the days leading up to the announcement were filled with uncertainty. βWala man gud mi kahibaw nga makapasar ba mi or di, kay di mi sure ba,β she shared.
The anticipation took a heavy toll on her peace of mind, describing the feeling of waiting as very overwhelming and nerve-racking. To cope with the immense tension, she chose to disconnect entirely. βNagsabot mi sa akong mga amiga nga dili mi magkupot sa among cellphone kay para dili makakita sa results,β Umbay recalled.
The silence was eventually broken when her phone began vibrating nonstop from an influx of congratulatory notifications and messages. Describing that life-changing moment, she said, βPagkita nako sa elementary nga result, didto na, nawagtangan naβg tunok akong dughan unya nindot kaau sa feeling.β
Her journey to the top was not solely built on intense academic reviews; it was heavily anchored in spiritual devotion. As part of her preparation, she shared, βUsa sa akong gibuhat kay Visita Iglesia. Supposedly 7 churches, unya kay nag-round south man mi, so naka-abot miβg 32 ka churches.β
While she had a strong feeling she would pass after taking the test, the exam itself pushed her to her limits. βPag-Professional Education (Prof Ed), didto na ko nga murag ni-hagba kay lisod jud kaau siya, mura ra koβg wala gatuon,β she confessed.
Looking back at the intense hurdles, she credits her historic success to a higher power, stating, βpero by Godβs Grace nakaya ra jud.β
For aspiring educators and future LET takers, Umbayβs journey stands as a reminder that success is not always measured by confidence during the process, but by the courage to continue despite fear and uncertainty. Behind every license earned is a story of sacrifices, sleepless nights, setbacks, and silent prayersβproof that perseverance often matters just as much as intelligence.
Ms. Umbayβs victory serves as a powerful testament to future educators that excellence is forged through both hard work and resilience. In relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), her success advances SDG 4 by reflecting the quality and competence of future educators, while also reinforcing SDG 3 through awareness of the emotional and mental challenges experienced during high-stakes academic milestones. | via Sheena A. Bautista and Joly Ann Gesman