Several graduates of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) in Davao City swept the top three spots in the August 2025 Medical Technologists Licensure Examination, with three more students landing in the Top 10.

Out of 3,360 passers nationwide, six UIC graduates emerged as topnotchers: Myles Chaesel Sunit Ejara (Rank 1 with 93.10%); Hannah Belle Dioso Dave (Rank 2 with 92.70%); Sam Allen Esquivel Uy (Rank 3 with 92.60%); Joshua David Astudillo Castronuevo (Rank 5 with 92.20%); Rex Juab Valdueza (Rank 7 with 91.90%); and Ramon Monching Adolfo Señor (Rank 9 with 91.70%).

The topnotchers said they were trained thoroughly in their lessons and laboratory skills since their first year in college.

“May foundation na po kasi kami during our undergrad years kasi we were trained, supported tapos guided po talaga with our professors,” Ejara said.

“Extensive na ‘yung learnings namin. Our professors are helping us understand the lessons, helping us understand the basics po. So, in that way naka-help siya sa amin na maka build ng foundation,” Dave added.

Aside from strong foundation and disciplined study habits, the topnotchers emphasized the importance of prayer in their journey toward the examination.

“Kaon, tulog, ampo then study, so it’s a cycle lang po,” Valdueza said.

“We exert hard work and prayers po talaga during the review season,” Señor added.

The school said the students were prepared not only to pass the board exam but also to become productive and competent members of the medical technology profession.

“We follow this mantra, the aral, dasal, asal. Kana ang among ginasundan, not only sa students pati pud sa faculty,” UIC College of Medical and Biological Laboratory Science Dean, Professor Rvin John Servillon, said.

Another UIC official added that the results of the exam reflect the high quality of education in Davao City schools.

“I think the achievement of our students is a proof that provincial schools esp. in Davao, we can say that the education that people in Davao received is also equally, you can compare, you can compete in other words,” UIC President, Sr. Ma. Marissa Viri, said.

Ejara is set to fulfill a return service as a scholar of the Department of Health (DOH) and is open to joining the academe like some other topnotchers. Dave, on the other hand, is planning to pursue a degree in medicine.

The university also announced it will grant cash incentives to the topnotchers in recognition of their outstanding performance.