A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City topped the board examination for elementary teachers, the Professional Regulation Commission announced Friday, May 19.
Andrea Nicole Sumugat, 24, of Paglaum Village in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, was among the six takers who topped the licensure examination for elementary teachers with a 92.20 percent rating.
Together with Sumugat, Kabankalan Catholic College’s Silverio Tortocion III, also placed ninth in the board examination for elementary teachers.
Meanwhile, in the board examination for secondary teachers, Keana Marie Bartolome and Venus Nicole Jucal, both from the University of St. La Salle, placed fourth and ninth respectively, while Alvord Valencia of Negros Oriental State University placed sixth.
In an interview with DIGICAST NEGROS, Sumugat said she never expected to top the board examination as she just prayed that she could pass it so that she can become a full-fledged teacher.
She is the daughter of Noel Sumugat Sr., a Negros Occidental provincial government employee, and Christine Sumugat. She is the third child among seven siblings, she said.
She graduated in June of last year and started her review in November.
While she was studying for the board examination, she did private tutoring as her sideline for two months as she dedicated most of her time to studying, Andrea, or “Ann-Ann or Andeng” to her friends and family, said.
“Aside from reading my reviewers, I also invested in reading books to prepare myself for the board examination,” she said.
She dedicates this feat to her family, friends, and her boyfriend who supported her along the way.
“My advice to future takers is to identify their learning style, invest in established and excellent review centers, and have discipline“, Sumugat said.
After her oath-taking, Sumugat said that she will start teaching at the St. Scholastica’s Academy in Bacolod City in August this year.*