VSU is Top 4 forestry school in the country; #ProudViscan lands 8th spot in October 2025 Foresters board exam

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VSU recorded an 87.50% passing rate for first-time takers and an overall rating of 86.27%, surpassing the national passing rate of 71.62%.

Adding to this achievement, For. Joseph T. Muring of the VSU Department of Forest Science earned the 8th spot nationwide with a 93.15% rating. 

A journey of faith, endurance, and purpose

For Forester Joseph Muring, landing in the top ranks of the board exam is the result of years of hard work, faith, and a genuine love for his chosen field.

“It is a great honor and privilege to represent Visayas State University in the recent Foresters Licensure Examination,” Muring shared.

Before this success, Muring’s path toward forestry was far from linear. He entered Visayas State University with the dream of becoming an engineer, but a series of challenges and self-doubt led him to shift from Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering to Bachelor of Science in Forestry. This was a difficult decision that meant starting over as an irregular student and facing uncertainty once again. 

Despite these struggles, he chose to keep his faith, holding on to the belief that everything happens for a reason.

Coming from a humble background in Mabini, Bohol, Muring is also a proud beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

He shared that the program’s support went beyond financial assistance. It served as a source of hope and motivation to continue his studies and to prove that poverty does not have to define one’s future. 

A graduate with Latin honors, Muring admitted feeling tremendous pressure knowing that many people expected him to perform well. With only two months to prepare after graduation, he initially hesitated to take the exam. Encouraged by his family’s faith in him, he decided to take the challenge head-on, balancing review sessions with household responsibilities and participating in online discussions to deepen his understanding of complex forestry concepts.

But the journey was not without obstacles. He recalled the difficulties of finding an affordable boarding house near the testing center, the exhaustion from traveling from Bohol to Tacloban, and even the anxiety of forgetting his own calculator on exam day.

“There were several questions I had not encountered before, and I was among the few still answering until the end. Despite many uncertain answers, I chose to trust everything to God,” Muring said. 

“The waiting period after the exam was even harder, but I learned to surrender everything through prayer.”

Muring dedicated his success to his family, mentors, and friends who supported him throughout his academic journey.

“To my teachers, thank you for your support and guidance. You have not only equipped us with knowledge but also instilled in us the values and discipline that shaped who we are today. This milestone is not mine alone. This is also for your commitment and belief in your students,” he expressed. 

When asked for advice to aspiring foresters, Muring emphasized passion and purpose. 

“Forestry is about nurturing life, protecting our forests, sustaining our ecosystems, and becoming stewards of the environment for generations to come. Trust your journey, study smart, and never lose your humility. Your hard work and faith will bear fruit in God’s perfect time.”

Strengthening forestry education and stewardship

For Dr. Angelica P. Baldos, Department Head of Forest Science, this recent recognition highlights VSU’s growing national reputation for excellence in forestry education.

“The Department of Forest Science proudly celebrates its recognition as the fourth top-performing forestry school in the Philippines and congratulates our 44 new Registered Professional Foresters, including For. Joseph Muring, who achieved 8th place in the 2025 Forester Licensure Examination,” Dr. Baldos shared.

The following are the #ProudViscans newly licensed Registered Professional Foresters who successfully passed the October 2025 examination:

  1. Adaza, Christian Paul B.
  2. Algaba, Samantha B.
  3. Babon, Alistair L.
  4. Bantasan, Louegee M.
  5. Barrientos, Chennie V.
  6. Cabel, Karin B.
  7. Calimbayan, Whyz O.
  8. Capunong, Kenneth Jee H.
  9. Comaling, Edilberto Jr. R.
  10. Dacera, Charlie P.
  11. De la Cruz, Kristian Jerve D.
  12. Dusaran, Jhun Fel M.
  13. Smedia, Mico G.
  14. Fuentes, Grace Joy
  15. Garcia, Kenneth I.
  16. Gumanid, Alvin N.
  17. Irag, Charina T.
  18. Lagahit, Jerome J.
  19. Lamoste, Faith B.
  20. Lomocso, Ariel T.
  21. Lora, Elysa Mae V.
  22. Macuto, John Olym B.
  23. Maingque, Jovencio Jr. B.
  24. Malatag, Jonamie P.
  25. Muring, Joseph T.
  26. Napoles, Jessa R.
  27. Oronea, Martin R.
  28. Pagas, Arvin Chester L.
  29. Paisano, Roxanne C.
  30. Palo, Ma. Yvonne A.
  31. Peña, Cherie Ann N.
  32. Pleños, Rodney S.
  33. Rasonabe, Julianne C.
  34. Rom, Carl Evanz M.
  35. Rom, Grizchie L.
  36. Rubas, Angelica D.
  37. Rutor, Yvonne Claire C.
  38. Sabandal, Rodney G.
  39. Sablan, Rey Jay A.
  40. Sudaria, Marielle B.
  41. Tabat, James S.
  42. Tagayong, Lilian V.
  43. Tagud, Joel Andre B.
  44. Tuyan, Jhon Kenneth A.

With this performance, VSU continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the leading forestry schools in the country, producing not only topnotchers but also committed professionals ready to uphold the values of sustainability, stewardship, and service to the environment.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education.