ILOILO CITY – Two graduates from West Visayas State University-Main Campus have been recognized among the topnotchers in the September 2024 Librarians Licensure Exam.
Melgie Gabasa Pacardo secured the 6th rank with a rating of 87.90%, while John Albert Baisa Gayatinea placed 7th with a rating of 87.65%.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), a total of 771 examinees took the September 2024 exam, with 376 passing, representing a national passing rate of 48.77%.
WVSU achieved a 100% passing rate, with all 14 of its alumni successfully passing the exam.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Gayatinea, from Barangay Tanza Esperanza, Iloilo City Proper, expressed his disbelief at ranking 7th, stating that he is still in a state of shock.
He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic to his studies, but expressed gratitude for overcoming them.
Gayatinea shared that his passion for reading books at school and church led him to pursue a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS).
Meanwhile, Pacardo, from Barangay Gemumua-Agahon, Passi City, noted that many people initially underestimated her chosen course, as librarianship is not widely recognized.
However, she aims to prove that being a librarian involves more than just sitting in a library but is a demanding profession.