VSU hits 100% passing rate with 3 topnotchers in September 2025 Geodetic Engineer board exam

Visayas State University (VSU) once again etched its name among the nation’s finest institutions after achieving a 100% passing rate in the September 2025 Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination (GELE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last September 29–30, 2025.

All 26 examinees from the VSU Department of Geodetic Engineering (VSU-DGE) successfully passed the board exam, with three of them landing among the Top 10 nationwide. 

Engr. Collin Mario Rosell secured the 7th spot with a rating of 87.20%, while Engr. Lovely Mae Peñalosa and Engr. Eric John Quiño both ranked 8th with identical scores of 87.00%.

This year’s feat marks a major leap from the October 2024 GELE, where VSU obtained an institutional passing rate of 81.82%, producing 18 new geodetic engineers. Now, with a perfect score in 2025, VSU joins the ranks of the country’s top-performing schools alongside the University of the Philippines–Diliman, far surpassing the national passing rate of 55.90%.

Behind these numbers are stories that reveal the kind of endurance that grows from hardship, a proof that success can emerge from deeply personal battles fought along the way.

Lovely Mae Peñalosa: Rising Through Grief

For Engr. Peñalosa, the path to triumph was shaped by loss. While preparing for the board exam, she was mourning the death of her grandmother. This is the very reason she pursued this dream in the first place. 

The months before the examination were marked by grief and exhaustion. She remembers days when she could hardly focus, when her review notes blurred through tears, and when the weight of sorrow made studying feel pointless.

Yet, in the face of such pain, she chose to move forward. 

During the exam itself, she fought through panic attacks, fatigue, and sickness, but she found calm in prayer. Each question answered became an act of faith, a way to honor her grandmother’s memory. What sustained her, she said, was God’s grace and the assurance that perseverance, even when fragile, still counts as strength.

“I want to acknowledge that this was all God’s work in my life, that despite the grief and pain, His grace carried me through and His faithfulness never failed.”

Eric John Quiño: Anchored in Scripture

For Engr. Quiño, faith was not just a source of comfort. It was the anchor that held everything together. 

His preparation for the exam was guided by prayer and reflection, a daily discipline that helped him find peace amid the pressure. He often turned to scripture for reassurance, grounding himself in words that reminded him of purpose.

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me.” — Psalm 34:4 

“Precisely what I prayed for, you delivered. Deeply humbled by your existence, Lord. Now I'm an engineer by grace.” he shared.

Beyond his faith, Engr. Quiño also credits his family and his partner as his strongest pillars of support. They never pressured him despite the length of his academic journey, ensuring he had everything he needed during his review. This allowed him to focus entirely on his goal, drawing strength from their unwavering encouragement and the privilege of having such a steady foundation behind him.

Collin Mario Rosell: Gratitude and Grounded Leadership

At the 7th spot nationwide, Engr. Rosell expressed his gratitude in the simplest and most genuine way:  “Top 7! Thank You Lord God, my parents, family, reviewmates, friends, and VSU.”

Those who know Engr. Rosell described him as more than a student of precision and problem-solving. He was also a young leader whose time was divided between academics and volunteer work. 

As an active member of the Nagkahiusang Kabatan-unan sa Calajo-an (NKSC), a youth organization under the National Youth Commission, he spent his free hours helping his community through local projects. 

Balancing those responsibilities with his studies was never easy, but for Engr. Rosell, service was not a distraction but it gave his education meaning. His story reflects how technical excellence can grow alongside compassion, and how leadership often begins in small acts of care.

Beyond these three top performers are 23 more stories of resilience and triumph. VSU proudly celebrates its 26 new geodetic engineers: 

1. Engr. Mara Grace R. Ampoloquio
2. Engr. Mhejoy A. Aninao
3. Engr. Janelle Anne Sanica Baysa
4. Engr. Eliza Mae R. Bijag
5. Engr. Niño Alfonso P. Buscagan
6. Engr. Charish D. Cahiyang
7. Engr. Frince Jhon F. Capapas
8. Engr. Gwynethlynn C. Cubrado
9. Engr. Stephen N. Francisco
10. Engr. Marvin R. Infiesto
11. Engr. Yhogen Boy V. Julve
12. Engr. Vergil Niño R. Lima
13. Engr. Joveydelle R. Molina
14. Engr. Nicole L. Montalban
15. Engr. Dyffin Jun T. Muñez
16. Engr. Andrew B. Noble
17. Engr. Sarah B. Ocay
18. Engr. Lovely Mae Peñalosa
19. Engr. Eric John R. Quiño
20. Engr. Trishia Rie Z. Quirong
21. Engr. Roland F. Recilla
22. Engr. Collin Mario C. Rosell
23. Engr. Ysabelle Frances M. Ruiz
24. Engr. Venus O. Suhillo
25. Engr. Jean Cricel T. Ungab
26. Engr. Oshzha Bea Shekinah D. Zaldua

Their success reflects the strong academic and practical foundation built within the VSU-DGE, whose programs are designed to develop both technical proficiency and purpose-driven professionalism.

VSU’s perfect passing rate carries wider implications for Philippine development. Geodetic engineers play a vital role in shaping the country’s infrastructure and sustainability efforts. In regions across the Visayas, their work contributes to safer, smarter, and more responsive communities.

Through this success, VSU-DGE once again proves that the measure of education lies not only in producing passers but in shaping professionals whose knowledge directly serves the people. Behind every score is a name, a story, and a reason. And at VSU, those reasons are as deep as the roots that keep this university growing in faith, integrity, and service.

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

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