Ruffa Mae Imperial, a 24-year-old aspiring teacher from Daet, Camarines Norte, secured the ninth spot among more than 20,000 examinees in the 2023 Licensure Examination for Elementary Education. 

Imperial attributes her success to hard work and determination.

She shared that she relied on free modules and reviews provided by the provincial government, sticking to her commitment of passing without spending a significant amount of money. 

Imperial recognized the challenging economic circumstances and opted for a practical approach.

"Naisip ko noon na kung kaya kong ipasa na hindi gumagastos ng ganong halaga, gagawin ko po. Kasi sayang po ‘yung pera. Dahil mahirap na ang panahon, mahal na ang mga bilihin. Kaya talagang be practical naman po talaga," Imperial says.

With her achievement, Imperial feels that she has finally realized her long-time dream of serving her fellowmen through teaching. 

She recalled aspiring to become a teacher when she was younger and is now proud to hold the title of Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT).

"When I grow up, I want to be a teacher talaga, eh. And ngayon, finally, may tatlong letra na akong LPT. Proud ako du’n kasi, sa wakas, napatunayan ko na kaya ko naman pala talaga. Kasi may mga doubts din po talaga ako sa sarili ko," she added.

Imperial obtained a 92.8 percent rating, making her family, especially her farmer father, Romeo, proud. 

Romeo, who supports his daughter's education through pig and cattle farming, considers Ruffa's success as a bonus. 

He expressed joy upon learning about her victory in the board exam and wishes for his children to finish their studies without encountering difficulties.

"Tuwang tuwa po ako nang malaman ko na siya ay panalo sa Board Exam. Pang siyam sa buong Pilipinas. Gustong gusto ko na sila po ay matapos sa pag-aaral at hindi po mahirapan sa bandang huli," Romeo says.