𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘭 𝘠𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘵

Excellence, innovation, and academic pride took center stage during the regular Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting held Wednesday afternoon, May 13, as Abuyog Community College (ACC) formally recognized its March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) topnotchers and project leaders behind internationally recognized institutional programs.

Leading the roster of national achievers was Ms. Ernyst Chille Risos Mundala, who secured Top 3 in the Elementary Level with an outstanding 94.40 percent overall rating. ACC also proudly congratulated Mr. John Kirby De La Calzada Sigue for placing Top 8 in the Elementary Level with an impressive 93.20 percent overall rating. Meanwhile, in the Secondary Level, Ms. Deosah Mae Angoring Mendoza earned Top 7 nationwide with a commendable 93.80 percent overall rating.

In an official post from the Facebook page of the Office of the College President, the institution expressed its pride and gratitude to the topnotchers.

“We are proud of you, our Topnotchers, Mr. John Kirby Sigue, Ms. Deosah Mae Mendoza, and Ernyst Chille Mundala, grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. The ACC BOT had made a resolution of giving you free travels and some cash incentives, as approved by our Chairman Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya. Great job guys!”

The incentives were formally approved by Executive Chairman Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya and supported by the college administration as a gesture of appreciation for bringing honor and distinction to the institution.

In a Facebook chat interview, Mr. John Kirby De La Calzada Sigue shared his heartfelt reflections on the achievement and its significance to his family.

“Being one of the first topnotchers of ACC is more than just a personal achievement. It is also a victory for my family and for the people who supported me throughout my journey, whose sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support carried me through every challenge,” Sigue said.

He further emphasized that the milestone symbolizes how faith, hard work, discipline, and perseverance can overcome barriers and create history not only for himself but also for everyone who believed in him.

When asked about his future plans after the achievement, Sigue humbly responded:

“For now, I simply want to take everything slowly and remain open to the opportunities ahead. While the future is still uncertain, I hope to keep growing, serve with purpose, and make my family proud wherever God leads me.”

Aside from honoring the LET topnotchers, the BOT meeting also recognized project leaders and college officials behind ACC’s innovation-driven initiatives that gained international recognition through the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

Among the recognized initiatives was the “Project Abuyog Community College Digital CareerLink: Job Placement, Alumni Tracking, and Employment Partnership Program” spearheaded by the ACC Job Placement Office.

The BOT also honored the proponents of “Project DUYAN” under the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, together with ACC’s vice presidents who played vital roles in spearheading and approving the WURI-cited programs.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to Executive Vice-President Dr. Asuncion M. Villote, Vice-President for Administration and Finance Prof. Sheila V. Posas, and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Edita D. Vale for their leadership and support toward the institution’s globally recognized initiatives.

Among more than 13,000 universities worldwide, ACC proudly secured a spot in the Top 100 under the Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness (C3) category, ranking 95th place — a remarkable feat for a first-time participant.

The recognition of LET topnotchers and globally acknowledged initiatives reflects ACC’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, transformative education, and innovation-driven community development.