The first placer in the April 2024 Pharmacists Licensure Examination who hails from Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur has proven that illness is not a hindrance to success.

Rhedz-Wei Hadjula, 25, a product of Universidad de Zamboanga, ranked first among the 1,185 passers with a rating of 92.85 percent. He said he did not expect to top the examination.

“Di ko inexpect kasi I reviewed po sa Manila tapos everyone there is so competitive,” Hadjula said.

But behind his success is the battle on health he continues to face. Rhedz, the youngest of five siblings, was born with a genetic blood disorder called thalassemia.

He has had many challenges because of his illness throughout his academic journey.

“My kuya din po may thalassemia to the extent na di siya nakapag aral, yung case ko naman medyo light somehow there is this struggle din kasi we have to awake at night sa study ganyan pero tapos yung hemoglobin ko mababa,” he said.

According to experts, thalassemia is a blood disorder where the body could no longer produce hemoglobin, which is a vital component in red blood cells.

“If hindi po nakaka-produce ng enough na hemoglobin ‘yung katawan natin, siyempre po ang tendency, magiging anemic tayo. May mga kailangan lang talaga na frequent ang (blood) transfusion,” Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) Medical Specialist IV, Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin, said.

Rhedz is also grateful for the support extended by his family amid the struggles he encountered along the way.

“There is this struggle also pero thankfully my sister, and everyone in my family keep track of my health,” Rhedz said.

His message to the youth: “Kung masaya ka sa ginagawa mo you actually won’t get tired. Just find yourself, keep your feet on the ground.”

Aside from Rhedz, two more examinees from Universidad de Zamboanga also took a spot in the Top 10. Faima Nain ranked fifth with 91.25 percent rating while Rasheedkhan Jainal at 10th place with a rating of 90.62 percent.