A graduate of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in Iloilo City ranked first in the September 2024 Fisheries Technologists Licensure Examination with a rating of 91.75 percent. 

AJ March Ryanne Belago Felongco is among eight graduates of UPV in Iloilo City that made it to the list of topnotchers in the said board examination. 

The other UPV graduates are Julie Ann Nique on fourth place (90.75 percent), Thea Irish Pentason on sixth place (90.25 percent), Bea Isobelle Villaluz on seventh place (89.75 percent), while four other graduates tied on tenth place at 89 percent. They are Cryselle Anne Barniso, Vyenge Erre Gayosa, Ma. Sandrei Sarmiento, and Shylamar Sañor.

Aivee Seterra Padohinog, a graduate from Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, also made it to the tenth spot. 

A total of 1,005 of the 1,509 examinees, or 66.60 percent, passed the licensure exam. 

"For me, dapat mag-eskwela sang Fisheries kay there are a lot of potential pa that we can tackle and siguro kinahanglan ta na i-remove ang stigma nga Fisheries is limited sa kun ano ang conventional nga gina-define sa fisheries. We need more experts to define and see the beauty of fisheries, on how I saw those beauties when I was just studying it,” Felongco said in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo. 

Felongco chose Fisheries as he has always had a special interest in the study of fishes, he said.

He added, though, that the course on Fisheries is not just about fish species. He pointed out that there are other facets to it because the study involves other areas such as propagation and food processing. He said he is happy with the course and enjoys every bit of the journey. In fact, he said, he did not force himself into memorizing lessons.  

“For me, once in a lifetime naman na siya nga opportunities, like do your best na lang. So, whatever the result is amo na na siya,  you maybe lucky kun para gid sa imo, but it doesn't end there kay indi man lang sa board exam naga-end ang journey sang isa ka Fisheries Technologist,” he added. 

Felongco said he mulls on teaching but said that the plan would come later because he needs further experience. He said that a richer experience would make lessons easier to impart to students.

He also called on students to take an interest in Fisheries, especially that the Philippines is an archipelago. 

"There are plenty of things to learn on the aquatic resources in our country," he further said. 

Felongco graduated from the Iloilo National High School, and graduated Cum Laude in college in 2022. 

(via GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)