By Rachel Magday In an inspiring achievement for both her community and the province, Hannah Mae R. Guimbongan has emerged as the topnotcher in this year’s Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination. A proud Sagut scholar and cum laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering from Nueva Vizcaya State University(NVSU), Guimbongan’s success is a testament to her hard work and determination. With the support of the provincial government led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, she has proven that students from small provinces can excel and compete with their peers from larger universities. Reflecting on her unexpected success, Guimbongan shared, “I knew I would pass the board exam because I gave it my all, but I never anticipated being number one.” The moment she learned of her achievement was filled with emotion; she was at her aunt’s house and immediately reached out to her parents in Baracbac, Sta. Fe. The news sparked an outpouring of joy, with both parents shedding tears of happiness. Her mother, Emilita, hails from an Ilocano background, while her father, Noel, is a Kalanguya. Guimbongan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government, stating that the Sagut Scholarship Program played a crucial role in her ability to complete her studies and achieve this milestone. Interestingly, Guimbongan’s journey to Geodetic Engineering was not her original plan. Initially aspiring to study Civil Engineering, she was unable to secure a spot in that program and instead enrolled in Geodetic Engineering—a decision that ultimately led her to discover her passion for the field. The board examination, held on October 17-18, 2024, not only tested the skills of aspiring geodetic engineers but also highlighted the potential of students who receive support from government scholarship programs. In recognition of her remarkable achievement, Guimbongan will receive a ₱200,000 incentive, becoming the second recipient of the Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance established by the provincial government. This ordinance rewards Novo Vizcayanos who achieve top rankings in board examinations. The first recipient was Kharam Molbog from Solano, who topped the Medical Technology Licensure Examination. Governor Gambito expressed his pride in Guimbongan’s accomplishment, stating, “Hannah Mae’s success is a shining example of what hard work and determination can achieve. As I often say, I am committed to preparing our province for the youth, and I encourage them to prepare themselves in return. One of the most effective ways to do this is by dedicating themselves to their studies and earning a degree. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and hope that her story inspires other students to pursue their dreams. The provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our youth in their educational endeavors.” Guimbongan’s achievement inspires aspiring engineers in the region, showcasing the value of hard work and the importance of support programs like the Sagut Scholarship, initiated during Governor Carlos M. Padilla’s administration. The program maintains 300 scholars annually with an allocation of around ₱20 million each year.      

By Zaldy Comanda   BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) is the first ever state university in Central Luzon that will have its campus buildings powered by the sun. During the Powering the Future: The Solarization Commissioning Ceremony held at the BPSU Campus here. Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation (PAPA) Secretary Larry Gadon, BPSU President Dr. Ruby Santos-Matibag, and Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc. President Michelle Sia led the ceremonial switching of the breakers at the BPSU administration building on Monday, October 28. The solar energy initiative is a project by the Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc., in conjunction with the BPSU and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) that aims to optimize the school’s energy consumption by utilizing solar energy. The construction of the solar power project includes solar panels at the rooftop of the BPSU’s main buildings. The solar rooftop is projected to generate around 675 kilowatts of power that will provide electricity to two large buildings of the main campus. This collaborative endeavor between Philko 18 Group of Companies Inc., BPSU, and PNOC emphasizes the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in driving sustainable development and addressing pressing environmental challenges. Philko President Sia said that by harnessing the region’s vast solar energy potential, this initiative will substantially reduce the university’s carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. She added that through their partnership with BPSU and PNOC, the combined expertise of the three entities will ensure the success and efficiency of this solar power project. “We are excited to collaborate with BPSU as well as PNOC to make this initiative a reality. By harnessing solar energy, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also providing the university with sustainable energy solutions for years to come,” she said.   BPSU President Matibag said, “This solar power project aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship as well as sustainable development. We believe it will serve as a model for other educational institutions and businesses in the region.”   For his part, Secretary Gadon said that education is one of the key factors in alleviating poverty, citing that this solar energy endeavor would provide the BPSU additional savings for its purpose in providing education to the youth. He congratulated the stakeholders in their involvement in the solar energy initiative, hoping that more and more campuses and academes in the country follow suite. The ceremonial switching of the solar energy to power the campuses is the first in Central Luzon for a state university, with BPSU, Philko and PNOC planning to create a bigger solar project in the Orani campus by constructing a floating 27-megawatt solar farm.