The country recently welcomed its new batch of Architects.

Topnotchers were Ckristel Janssen Larosa Daguio and Marissa Iness Palce Ragaza (82.80 percent), both from University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD). Ranked second was Kimberlane Tang Go (82.70 percent) from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Pagadian City pride Sam Tyra Fernandez Co, from the Architecture Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and a cum laude, claimed the third spot with a rating of 82.30 percent. She shared the position with Allison Denise Lu Te from UPD.

“This journey was anything but easy. The board exam was difficult, and I honestly just prayed to pass. I never expected to see my name on the topnotcher’s list,” Co stated.

“Looking back, all the sacrifices — the missed family vacations and the discipline it took — were all worth it. This is all by God’s grace, and I’m beyond grateful,” the 27-year-old architect said.

Benildeans John Gabriel Dizon Espiritu and Dante Vasquez Victorino Jr. finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Espiritu recorded 82.20 percent while Victorino, who was tied with National University-Manila’s Rhica Panganiban Cruz, copped 82 percent.

“Being part of Benilde’s roster of topnotchers is a feat I never imagined achieving. It is both a blessing and a testament to the hard work, unwavering commitment and pursuit of one’s passion,” remarked Espiritu, a 25-year-old Meycauayan City, Bulacan achiever who earned a magna cum laude merit in 2022. “The community has shaped and molded the right mindset for me to perform at this level.”

Victorino, 26, from Las Piñas, likewise shared the fruits of his labor to those who supported him through the tough times.

“Success is never achieved alone. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes even more to nurture and shape an architect. To all those who have helped mold me into the person I am today, I share this victory with you! Thank you for believing in me, even during the times when I struggled to believe in myself. I couldn’t have done this without you,” said Victorino, who graduated with an Honorable Mention in 2021.

With 29 board passers out of a total of 36 takers, Benilde chalked up a passing rate of 80.56 percent. The college registered an increase of 8.82 percent from the passing rate of 71.74 percent in January 2024. It likewise surpassed the national average of 58.71 percent.

Ar. Harvey Vasquez, Dean of the School of Environment and Design (SED), lauded the efforts of the new crop of architects and paid homage to the program.

“For a program only 16 years young, these consecutive successes affirm the excellence, resilience and innovative spirit of our students, mentors, and the SED community. Congratulations to our topnotchers — your achievements inspire the next generation of Benildean architects to dream big and build boldly,” he added.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 1,052 out of 1,792 examinees passed the LEA.

Completing the top 10 were Mickaela Alexandra Sabarre of UPD at sixth (81.90 percent), Eileene Joyce Durana Gatus and Anna Viktoria Santos Martinez of UST at seventh (81.80 percent), Kate Mikee Matutino Mayormita of UST at eighth (81.60 percent), Adbul Waleed Pingay Bakil of Western Mindanao State University-Zamboanga City and Maria Gabriela Noelle Camello Torres of UPD at ninth (81.50 percent), and Moses John Guibao Siervo of Far Eastern University-Manila at tenth (81.30 percent).