At least 17 graduates of Cagayan State University (CSU) are topnotchers in the 2024 Respiratory Therapists Licensure Examination.

The university also achieved a 100 percent passing rate with 82 successful examinees. 

Out of 1,383 examinees, a total of 1,077 passed the exam.

This is the first time that the university had this many graduates entering the Top 10 in the licensure exam since its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRTp) program was opened in 2010.

Those in the Top 10 are the following:

Second Place: Jhunry Sajonia Gaurian,
Fourth Place: Stephen Revocal Laman, James Astrologo Lamusao
Fifth Place: Angelo Dupaya Dupitas
Sixth Place: Andrei Karl Dulin Cauilan, Vessie Mae Capili Rarangol
Seventh Place: Francis Kyle Gammad Pagulayan
Eighth Place: Janiel Florence Liban Aguinaldo, Frances Marie Ballesteros Suyu
Ninth Place: Divine Grace Ramos Anastacio, Angeline Florido Plan, Mary Rose Masagayna Tumbali
Tenth Place: Nicole Angelee Hermenegildo Binayug, Christine Salbador Daguro, Michelle Agustin Mateo, Axcel Bryan Delin Mauanay, Angelyn Trilles Tica.

Jhunry Gauiran, 22, from Echague, Isabela, who secured the second spot, had a 91.50 percent score in the exam.

He plans to pursue a career in the medical field and find work abroad.

Gauiran and his colleagues handle cases involving difficulty in breathing and utilizing specialized instruments like mechanical ventilators in hospitals.

"Specialized medical professionals [kami] na nakatuon sa cardio pulmonary medicine… kami ang nagha-handle dun kapag nahihirapang huminga [ang patient], kami ang tumutulong sa kanila. Mayroon kaming specialized [equipment] na hinahawakan, instrument sa ospital, yun yung mechanical ventilator," he said.

Gaurian was raised by a farmer and a public school teacher. His challenges in life motivated him to consistently excel in his studies and graduate as cum laude.

He plans to serve his fellow Filipinos first before going to medical school.

"Gusto ko pang mag-serve sa [kapwa ko] Filipino kasi isa akong iskolar ng bayan. Kaya gusto ko sanang ibalik muna sa mga taxpayers natin na ibinigay saaming libreng pag-aaral bago ako mag-abroad," Gauiran said.

Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of individuals dealing with chronic lung diseases and those seeking recovery from the effects of smoking.