Celebrating Academic Excellence: Letran Honors Its Historic Back-to-Back Board Topnotchers

Intramuros, Manila— Excellence took center stage during the Collegiate Recognition 2026 held on June 4, 2026, as Colegio de San Juan de Letran honored two exceptional graduates who brought pride to the Colegio through their remarkable achievements in their respective licensure examinations.

Recognized before fellow students, faculty members, and parents were Vince Andrei Petalver, who ranked Top 9 in the November 2025 Nutritionist-Dietitians Computer-Based Licensure Examination, and Evita Lane Aberilla, who secured Top 10 in the October 2025 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination.

In recognition of their outstanding achievements, both topnotchers were presented with special citations and cash incentives from the Colegio during the recognition ceremony, honoring not only their exceptional performance in the licensure examinations but also the distinction they have brought to the Letran community.

Their accomplishments marked a historic milestone for the Colegio, showcasing the caliber of Letranite graduates and the transformative impact of the Letran brand of quality education, perseverance, and purpose.

One Goal at a Time

For Petalver, becoming a board topnotcher was never about chasing recognition alone.

Looking back on his journey, he shared that the goal had been planted as early as his first year in college, inspired by professors who themselves had excelled in their professions. Yet as the years progressed, his focus shifted from the title itself to the process of continuous improvement.

"I simply set a goal and worked for it," he reflected. "It was one goal at a time—becoming a Dean's Lister, earning academic distinctions, and eventually preparing for the board examination."

Today, Petalver serves as a nutritionist-dietitian at St. Luke's Medical Center Global City. While grateful for his board examination success, he believes the true reward lies beyond the ranking.

"Being a topnotcher became a reward, but what fulfills me now is being passionate about my work and helping other people."

He also encouraged aspiring nutritionists and dietitians to remain grounded in their purpose.

"Be clear about why you're studying and what you want to achieve. When you know your purpose, everything else follows."

Petalver likewise expressed heartfelt gratitude to his mother, professors, and classmates who accompanied him throughout his academic journey, from his earliest days in school to the recognition stage where his achievements were celebrated.

A Scholarship, A Second Chance, and a Top 10 Finish

For Aberilla, her story is one of gratitude, resilience, and opportunity.

A scholar of the Colegio, she credited Letran for making her college education possible during a period when her family was facing financial challenges.

"I am beyond grateful to the Colegio," she shared. "The quality education I received here was made possible through my scholarship. If it wasn't for Letran, I wouldn't have been able to finish college."

Although she admitted that becoming a topnotcher was among her aspirations, seeing her name among the country's highest-performing examinees still came as a surprise.

As the first Accountancy board examination topnotcher produced by the Colegio, Aberilla described the distinction as both an honor and a responsibility.

"It feels both pressuring and rewarding at the same time. I'm honored to be the first topnotcher produced by Letran in Accountancy."

Now employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) , one of the country's leading accounting firms, Aberilla offered practical advice to future board takers.

Rather than prescribing a specific study formula, she emphasized the importance of understanding one's own learning style and maintaining good quality rest.

"We all learn differently. What works for one person may not work for another. But if there's one thing I would recommend, it's to prioritize quality sleep."

She also extended her gratitude to her professors, classmates, fellow scholars, and dormitory companions whom she considers her second family in Letran.

A Legacy of Excellence

While their paths were different, both Petalver and Aberilla shared a common message: success is built through purpose, discipline, gratitude, and the support of a community that believes in one's potential.

Their recognition during Collegiate Recognition 2026 served not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a testament to the excellence cultivated within the Letran community.

As the Colegio continues to produce graduates who excel in their chosen professions, the stories of Vince Andrei Petalver and Evita Lane Aberilla stand as inspiring reminders that extraordinary achievements begin with ordinary commitments—showing up every day, trusting the process, and remaining faithful to one's goals.

For the next generation of Letranites, their message is clear: dream boldly, work diligently, and allow purpose to guide the journey.

Congratulations once again, Vince and Evita!

Your Best Self Begins at Letran! Arriba!

----

SY 26-27 enrollment is now ongoing. Visit https://letpass.letran.edu.ph/ to apply.

https://letpass.letran.edu.ph/