UM cited for consistently topping social work exams

THE PHILIPPINE Association of Social Workers (PASW)-Davao recently recognized the University of Mindanao for consistently producing topnotchers in the social worker licensure examination for six consecutive years.

The university is recognized for bringing the students “honor, prestige, and holding their accomplishments in esteem,” as top placers in national licensure examinations are rewarded with due compensation for the fruit of their efforts by no less than UM president Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr.

UM’s Social Work program was also the first to produce a Top 1 examinee through Honey Jane D. Bacus in 2014. She was awarded P1 million cash gift promised by Dr. Torres to the first student who could place first in any licensure examination.

In the most recent Social Worker licensure examination last August, four UM students earned top spots; enabling the university to post an average passing rate of 84.04% for first-time takers, compared to the national average passing rate of only 61.15%.

Jerena Piencenaves is at the third spot with a score of 82.80, followed by Habib Dela Cruz Pagilogon at seventh place with 81.80, Jonathea Paz Baloca at the top eighth spot with 81.60, and Relene Delos Reyes at the tenth spot with 81.20.

The four joined the 2,723 examinees who passed the licensure examination out of more than 5,000 examinees, according to data from the Professional Regulation Commission.

The PASW handed the citation last Oct. 12 during the Oath taking and Induction Ceremonies for newly registered social workers at the Grand Regal hotel.