24-year-old from Sumadel, Tinglayan Ranks Top 3 in 2025 X-Ray Technologist Licensure Exam

What started as an “average” student who rarely shared her thoughts during classroom discussions earned the third highest rating in the recently conducted X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

Mikee Diaz Banag, 24, hailing from Sumadel 2, Tinglayan, Kalinga, and a graduate of the International School of Asia and the Pacific–Tabuk, was named Top 3 in the December 2025 X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Mikee admitted that she did not expect to top the board exam, as she considered herself an average student who seldom spoke in class and preferred to keep her thoughts to herself during discussions.

“I never thought I could be a topnotcher. Hindi naman ako magaling, pero here I am. My original goal was simply to pass the board exam. Wala akong academic awards sa college, and I was never the type who stood out in class,” she shared. She added that she lacked the confidence to speak in front of many people because she had always doubted herself and never fully believed in her abilities.

This self-doubt, coupled with financial limitations, also challenged her during her review days, to the point that she considered giving up on her goal of passing the board exam. The 24-year-old daughter of a housekeeper and a miner said she was carried through these difficulties by her prayers, often drawing strength from Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” She shared that this verse was what she repeatedly whispered to herself during trying times.

As for her preparation, Mikee said she spent many nights burning the midnight oil and enrolled in a review center to guide her studies and help her address her weaknesses.

Reflecting on her journey, the iKalinga topnotcher shared that she realized success is rooted in perseverance, dedication, and faith.

“I learned that success isn’t just about recognition or confidence—it’s about quiet perseverance, sleepless nights of studying, and faith that kept me going. I learned that God can use even our weaknesses to bring us to places we never imagined,” she said.