From the heart of Bicol, two dentistry graduates emerged as beacons of inspiration.
Anne Nicole Caeg and Neljan Mabilog landed in the Top 10 in the 2023 Dentistry Licensure Examination but had divergent paths leading to their triumph in the exam.
Caeg placed first while Mabilog placed 10th.
CAMARINES NORTE TO MANILA
Caeg, 25, from Barangay Dagotdotan, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte, topped the exam with a rating of 83 percent.
She left the province to pursue her college and graduate degrees in Manila. She then graduated from the University of the East (UE) in Manila in July 2023.
Caeg shared that her biggest challenge was the pre-boards in UE-Manila because she was shy to approach her professors.
"Actually, yung pinaka-biggest challenge [sakin] is yung pre-boards po namin sa school, kasi nung pre-boards po namin sa school [ay] di po ako lumalapit sa prof kasi nga nahihiya po ako," she said.
She believes that her perseverance and hard work paid off, while her parents think that she truly deserves the achievement.
"Happy [kami], [at] sobrang saya I mean parang hanggang ngayon hindi parin ako makapaniwala... deserve talaga ng bata," her mother, Imelda Caeg, said.
"Unang reaction [namin ay] parehas kami umiyak sa sobrang saya. [Sa] hirap na nakita ko sa ginawa ng anak ko [ay] talagang deserving siya makuha yung gusto niya talaga," Raul Caeg, her father, said.
Even her professor was impressed, noting that Caeg had a quiet demeanor, which, to her, was indicative of her intelligence.
"Whenever there [are] quizzes sabi ko, 'Okay naman [siya], tahimik... ah siguro this is the typical na medyo mataas ang IQ,' that’s one of the impressions [niya]," Dr. Grace Japay, her professor, said.
Looking ahead, Caeg plans to apply in Manila to gain experience and pursue her goal of becoming an orthodontist.
She said she is not closing her doors on serving Camarines Norte.
FUELED BY FAITH AND FAMILY
Mabilog, 26, secured the 10th spot in the exam with a rating of 81.3 percent.
His journey began in Daraga North Central School for elementary and Daraga National High School for secondary education.
He graduated from Ago Medical and Educational Center - Bicol Christian College of Medicine (AMEC-BCCM) in Albay in June 2022.
What fueled his academic prowess was the unwavering support he received from his family.
"I'm the eldest of three siblings and, surely, my family is a part of my success because they are there to support me financially and morally when I start doubting myself," Mabilog said.
His sister, a year younger and a constant companion in their academic endeavors, became his study buddy and classmate since elementary. She also joined him in the dentistry journey.
"We've been classmates since elementary until college. Basically, we never separated, and both of us studied the same field," Mabilog said.
The unique bond between the siblings not only made the academic journey more enjoyable but also added an extra layer of support during hard times.
SACRIFICES FOR EDUCATION
Born to a mother who once pursued dentistry at AGO Medical and Educational Center, Mabilog eventually became interested in his mother's field of study.
"[It] provided me with a unique and insightful exposure to the world of oral health. As I contemplated my own educational path, the influence of her experiences and the allure of the dental field sparked a deep contemplation about the possibility of following in her footsteps," Mabilog said.
However, his mother's dentistry credentials faced recognition challenges in Canada. A personal support worker abroad, she made a selfless decision to prioritize investing in her children's education over her own career.
"My mom's job is a personal support worker, and my dad is working as a skilled production worker in a steel company," Mabilog said.
The moment of joy and emotion was palpable when his sister called to announce the news of Mabilog's success.
"Actually, my mom was in her workplace when my sister called and announced the news. She [my mother] was emotional and very grateful for what the Lord has done and for all the answered prayers," he added.
HURDLES
Mabilog's family initially relied on his mother's income abroad, which proved to be challenging for his education.
"The costs associated with dental education, including tuition, materials, and clinical expenses, posed a formidable challenge," Mabilog said.
However, a turning point came when his father joined the workforce, providing additional financial stability for the family.
Mabilog's road to success was not without its challenges. He faced the dilemma of balancing work as a dental assistant with exam preparations.
He made the tough decision to resign from his position, prioritizing concentrated effort for his future dental career over valuable hands-on experience.
"The desire to excel in the upcoming examinations and ensure a strong foundation for my future dental career took precedence," Mabilog said.
In moments of doubt and uncertainty, Mabilog turned to Proverbs 3:5-6 for reassurance.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths,” the passage reads.
It became his beacon of reassurance, with his trust and submission to a higher power.
"The achievements in the dental board exams were not mine alone," Mabilog said.
Mabilog has this advice to aspiring dentists:
"Embarking on the journey to become a dentist is a commendable and transformative decision. The field of dentistry not only demands academic excellence but also a genuine passion for improving the oral health and well-being of others. The field of dentistry, like any career path, can be uncertain at times," he said.
"Trusting God can offer a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that there is a higher plan and purpose guiding your steps," he added.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the recent news of his success in the licensure examination, Mabilog's primary focus is on absorbing more knowledge in the field of dentistry while ensuring to serve his fellow Bicolanos with the highest standards of quality.
"My primary focus is to explore and absorb as much knowledge as possible in the field of dentistry initially. This approach aims to ensure that every treatment I administer reaches the highest standards of quality and proficiency in the long run. Enabling me to not only bring smiles to Bicolanos but also confidence," Mabilog said.
TWO PATHS, ONE INSPIRATION
Caeg and Mabilog's stories, though with diverging paths, converge in the narrative of triumph over challenges, unwavering family support, and a shared commitment to bring smiles and confidence to their communities.
From the province to the bustling metro, their journeys stand as a testament to the limitless possibilities when passion, dedication, and familial bonds intertwine in the pursuit of dreams.
