Cebuano tops in licensure exams for criminologists
CEBU, Philippines - A 23-year-old native of Argao, Cebu was among the topnotchers in the recent criminology board examinations and the only Cebuano among the top 10 passers.
Wilmar Puerto, of Barangay Mandilikit, Argao, ranked seventh of the 10,901 out of 34,768 who passed the licensure exams administered by the Professional Regulations Commission last October with an average of 89.40 percent.
Puerto graduated as academic scholar of the University of Cebu. He finished his elementary education as salutatorian in Mandilikit Elementary School and as 10th honorable mention in his secondary at the St. Michael School Hijas de Jesus in Argao.
Puerto said he did not expect to be among the topnotchers because he was aiming to have at least a good average. He, however, admitted feeling the pressure because everyone was allegedly expecting him to top.
He said his success did not come easy because he had to maintain his grades to keep his scholarship. According to him, his parents could not afford to send him to college without the scholarship since there are five of them. His father is a farmer while his mother is an elementary teacher.
Puerto said he focused in his review before taking the board exams.
"I have to take time and read at least 10 hours a day and focus," he said.
"Dako kaayo ko'g pasalamat sa Ginoo kay dili ni mahitabo kung wala ko niya giyahi," he added.
Puerto said his family has always been his inspiration and reason for his sacrifices. He expressed gratitude to his teachers and friends for their unending guidance and support.
For those preparing to take a similar board exam, Puerto gave them a piece of advice.
"Understand the lessons and take more time on reading them and always pray for guidance," he said.
Puerto is now working as a house detective in one of the prestigious hotels in Cebu and plans to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police. He also wanted to teach criminology if given the chance. (FREEMAN)
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