BICOL REGION, Philippines — Bicol University once again made its mark in the September 2026 Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE), producing four national topnotchers while recording a perfect 100% overall passing rate among its 148 examinees.

Leading the BU graduates is Mary Joy Polistico Caño of the BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, who placed 8th nationwide with an impressive rating of 91.80%.

Two BU graduates tied for 9th place with a rating of 91.60%—Camille Nocos Nicerio of BU Daraga and Shiryn Contalba Canillo of BU Tabaco.

Meanwhile, Ruffa Mae Espinas Lleno of BU Daraga secured 10th place with a rating of 91.40%.

The achievement came as both participating BU campuses recorded perfect passing rates in their respective categories.

BU Daraga, through the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, posted a 100% passing rate, with all 114 examinees successfully passing the examination. The campus was recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as Rank 1 among top-performing schools nationwide in the category for institutions with 51 or more examinees.

BU Tabaco likewise achieved a 100% passing rate, with all 34 examinees passing the licensure examination. It was also recognized as Rank 1 among top-performing schools nationwide in the category for schools with 10 to 50 examinees.

The PRC reported that 8,383 of the 10,991 examinees nationwide passed the September 2026 SWLE, resulting in a national passing rate of 76.27%.

BU Daraga accounted for three of the university’s four topnotchers, while BU Tabaco contributed one, highlighting the strong performance of Bicol University’s Social Work programs across its campuses.

For the BU community, the results reflect the dedication of its students, faculty members, Social Work Department, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and the university community in pursuing academic excellence and professional preparation.

The four topnotchers and 148 newly licensed social workers are now set to carry their knowledge and skills into communities and the social work profession.

A proud moment for Bicol University—and another achievement that puts Bicolano excellence in the national spotlight.