Faith and Perseverance Rewarded: Pastor’s son from Ifugao is TOP 2 in 2026 Criminologist Board Exam

Ifugao, Philippines – Armed with faith and prayers, a 23-year-old pastor’s son from Ifugao was named as one of the top-performing examinees of the February 2026 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE).

Garnering an average of 92.70%, Tony Ong Dinamling of the Ifugao State University – Lamut gave further honor to his alma mater by placing second in the recently-concluded CLE. Tony finished his degree as Cum Laude in June 2025.

Talking to GURU Press Cordillera, Tony shared he prayed to top the board exam and worked on manifesting his dreams by studying harder and enrolling at a review center. He admitted that among his struggles during his preparations for the board exam include unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances such as the typhoon last year which caused prolong power outage and cut communication lines in Ifugao. He said this affected his study momentum.

He added that he also experienced being too overwhelmed with lectures and readings that he sometimes experienced self-doubts. Amid these struggles, Tony said it was his faith that kept him grounded.

“There is also the question of "why I am doing this," then I am reminded of my intention and desire, so I cope with it and continue going despite of these things,” he said.

Now that he reaped the fruit of his consistency, discipline, and prayers, Tony advises the next CLE takers to pray for their dreams and to have faith, saying, “first and the most important, put God first over everything and acknowledge that you cannot do it alone, and so you need Him, as much as the fish needs water and the trees needs soil. Always seek God's guidance in everything that you do, it’s the best to do it with God than doing something without God.”