By Ralph Arvic T. Arcenal
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:52:00 08/30/2014
Over the years Naval State University, formerly Naval Institute of Technology, has been dedicated enough in putting the institution’s name in the pedestal of globally competitive state universities. Thus, its accolades of national, regional and even local acknowledgment marked the NSU as a premiere university in Biliran Province.
With the latest result released by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) on the Officer-in-charge (OIC) of Engineering Watch Licensure Examination (Written Phase) held on August 2014, the university once again trailblazed its competence in offering maritime programs as its graduates sailed on top.
Ronald Moyalde Castillon and Carlo Salac Caparro successfully ranked 1st and 9th placers, garnering the ratings 90.25% and 86.50% respectively. They bested 260 passers out of 458 hopeful examinees all over the country.
A 22-year old lad, Castillon, was born on February 6, 1992 and is a native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. No doubt he emerged as top placer – his educational background is outstanding. He graduated class salutatorian during his elementary years at Bayugan Elementary School and took his secondary education at Bayugan Comprehensive High School. In pursuing his tertiary education, he came to Biliran Province and invested his future in Naval State University, taking up Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He successfully graduated as No. 3 among all graduates of maritime education during his time.
Caparro is a native of Almeria, Biliran. He graduated ahead of Castillon and decided this year to take the said exam hoping for a chance to pass.
Knowing deeper what our topnotchers have and what it takes to be on top, here is an up-close interview:
BiliranIsland Staff: How is it being on top among others?
Castillon: It is a very nice feeling that I made it at last. When my sister called me and told me that I got the highest grade, it made me shiver for the joy I felt. And thank God for blessing me with this, bringing the NSU at the top inspite of the incident that happened where NSU COME was nearly closed.
Caparro: I am so excited by the outcome of the exam. I never expected this, but again it is still a blessing and I need to praise God.
BiliranIsland Staff: What preparations did you make for the exam?
Castillon: I always started my review with a prayer and ended it with a prayer. And I did not put pressure on myself even if I had that goal to top the board. A day before the exam, I did things that made me happy, like going to church to ask for His guidance. In the evening, I watched boxing because it made me feel good.
Caparro: Review. Prayers. And trust of oneself. These were my preparations for the exam, which are worth it.
BiliranIsland Staff: Have you ever thought of passing nor landing on top with this exam?
Castillon: Honestly, yes, my aim was to top the board, knowing that NSU COME was nearly closed. It boosted my interest to do my part as a student, which maybe I can give a little help by topping the board. But my aim was only in the Top 5, since there were also good students coming from other schools. But during the review, I was a little bit down since I did not get my target during our final pre-board. But I am happy about the outcome of the exam, because during the examination day I boosted all that I got and did it seriously.
Caparro: I just wanted to pass, not to top. But still I am blessed!
BiliranIsland Staff: Final words.
Castillon: Believe in yourself and strive hard. Don’t forget to pray and you will achieve what you are aiming for. Mabuhay NSU and Biliranons!
Caparro: Dream big, start small. Have goals in life for you to become successful.
Indeed, these two topnotchers are not just NSU’s pride but BIliran’s pride too. Their victorious achievements are worthy of emulation by maritime students and an inspiration to the university to pursue its eager desire of providing and producing globally competitive graduates.