Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU honors pioneer Psych alums’ 100% passing rate, 7 topnotchers in psychometrician exam

By Ian Paul Villanueva

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) held a testimonial program on September 29 to honor its historic milestone after its pioneer batch of psychology graduates delivered a flawless 100% passing rate for the institution in the September 2026 Psychometrician Licensure Examination. The university also produced seven topnotchers.

The commanding performance of the 54 new licensed psychometricians secured MMSU the top spot among institutions with 50 to 99 examinees.

Significantly adding to this victory, seven MMSU graduates broke into the national top ten. Leading the university's exceptional cohort is Wincy Tumalip Ayunon, who placed fourth with a rating of 93.60%. The other top-performing graduates are Maria Alyssa  Castillejos (7th placer), Mark Stephen Ipac (7th placer), Ricka Sarah Gumarang (8th place), Mark JC Pascual (8th placer), Ariel Cesar B. Antonio, Jr. (9th placer), and Moyrah Shaina Colobong (10th placer).

During the testimonial program titled SOUL Trailblazers’ Homecoming, university officials praised the graduates for setting an incredibly high standard. Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal highlighted the significance of the cohort's success.

"You have brought pride and honor to MMSU, and, more importantly, you have become part of the history of this university," Dr. Cajigal remarked. "Seeing our very first graduates achieve this remarkable feat confirms that we made the right decision [to offer the program]. Our first batch is strong, but we will keep getting stronger."

Dr. Cajigal further challenged the academic community to sustain this culture of excellence and work toward claiming the top spot in licensure examinations in the coming years.

MMSU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Marlina Lino also expressed profound pride for the passers, noting that the college’s victory through them provides “tremendous encouragement as the college continues to strengthen its BS Psychology program.”

"To our pioneer batch, please remember that our goal is not only to produce passers in the licensure examinations," she added. "Because you, being our pioneer batch, will carry the name of the program, the name of the university, in the world of work along your area of specialization."

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program of CAS first opened its doors to enrollees in Academic Year 2022-2023. It is the college’s only degree program with a Professional Regulation Commission-regulated licensure examination post graduation.

In recognition of their achievements, the university also recently awarded cash incentives to the topnotchers. Ayunon was awarded Php60,000 while the rest of the topnotchers received Php40,000. Dr. Manzano explained the cash incentives reinforces MMSU's commitment to fostering a sustained culture of academic excellence.