A 23-year-old graduate from Cagayan has ranked third in the 2026 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination, turning his dream of success into reality through discipline and faith.

Marc Ian Tuddao, from Barangay Lanna in Enrile, Cagayan, finished his degree at Cagayan State University–Andrews Campus.

He said two things guided him during his review: prayer and hard work.

“Study hard, pray harder. Always po akong naglalaan ng time for prayer. And manood po ng online church services,” Tuddao said.

He admitted that a month before the exam, he struggled with anxiety and had difficulty focusing on his studies.

But he said prayer helped him regain confidence and stay grounded. Tuddao said he did not just pray to pass the exam but to become a topnotcher.

“Hindi po sa pagiging overconfident pero alam ko pong mapapasa ko ‘yung board. Hindi na po ako nag-settle for that goal, tinaasan ko na po ‘yung goal kong mag-topnotcher. Kaya ‘yun po ‘yung dinasal ko ng paulit-ulit,” he said.

He said he did not expect to perform well in school and even considered shifting courses at one point. Despite this, he pushed through and completed his degree.

Tuddao said he plans to pursue medicine in the future, although he has not yet decided when to start.

The youngest of two siblings, he credited his family for supporting him throughout his studies. His mother is a public school teacher, while his father, a former police officer, has passed away.

“Unang-una sa lahat sa family ko po. Grabe ‘yung support nila noong nagri-review pa ako. Ang pinagawa lang sa akin ay pinag-aral lang talaga ako,” he said.

He advised aspiring topnotchers to stay committed to their goals.

“Kung mayroon kang pangarap, pagsikapan mong abutin,” he added.

Below are the successful examinees who garnered the 10 highest places in the licensure examinations:

(1) Riesz Wyrnel Gaudicos Camasin - San Pedro College - Davao City (93.00% rating)

(2) Dexter Alvarez Masongsong Jr. - San Pedro College - Davao City (92.90% rating)

(3) Marc Ian Bunagan Tuddao - Cagayan State University - Andrews Campus (92.80% rating)

(4) Raphael James Rubio Bullecer - Velez College (92.50% rating)

(5) Joseph Ocayo Davalos - Our Lady of Fatima University - Laguna (92.40% rating)

(5) Shekinah Psalm Punla Sangalang - Angeles University Foundation (92.40% rating)

(6) Keith Karylle Cruz Fernandez - Far Eastern University - Manila (92.30% rating)

(6) Kyian Crista Leonardo Salvatierra - Far Eastern University - Manila (92.30% rating)

(6) Clarc John Madayang Waje - Our Lady of Fatima University - Pampanga, Inc.(92.30% rating)

(7) Angeline Labajnan Soriano - University of Pangasinan (92.90% rating)

(8) Kirsten Zham Gilot Ocladina - Velez College (92.10% rating)

(9) Darren Nichole Cordova Ocampo - Far Eastern University - Manila (91.90% rating)

(9) Matthew Rafael Garcia Reantillo - Far Eastern University - Manila (91.90% Rating)

(9) Zynth Genebago Sullano - Adventist University of the Philippines (91.90% rating)

(10) Sherwin Von Laberinto Palaad - Adventist University of the Philippines (91.80% rating)

(10) Leonardo Meracap Pates IV - Dona Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educ. Found. (For R.T.R FDTN) (91.80% rating)