Isabela Capitol Staff ranks 3rd in National Environmental Planner Exam

Ilagan City, Isabela - Pride and honor filled the halls of the Isabela Provincial Capitol after one of its own, Maria Elena J. Sumisim, achieved a remarkable feat by placing third nationwide in the August 2025 Environmental Planner Licensure Exam. 

Said exam is administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to assess the competency of individuals seeking to be licensed as registered environmental planners. 

A total of 436 examinees took the computer-based test that took place on August 21 and 22.

Of these, 404 passed, with Sumisim taking the top 3 spot with an 86.85% rating.

As mentioned by the Isabela Public Information Office, Sumisim has been serving as Project Evaluation Office IV at the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) for seven years.

Her pursuit of excellence was amplified at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), where she attained her diploma in Land Use Planning in 2024, graduating as a “Chancellor’s List” awardee.

In her interview with the Isabela PIO, Sumisim attributed her success to the chances, mentorship, and strong support system she found within the provincial government.

Beyond the workplace, the pride of the PLGU likewise acknowledged her office mates who showed support to her throughout her journey and her friends who played a vital role in pushing her to overcome self-doubt. 

"I met people along the way who gave me that extra nudge at naniwala na kaya kong maging topnotcher…Mapalad lang din ako na meron akong mga kaibigan who rooted for me since Day Zero at parating nagre-remind sa akin that I can ace the exam kahit na madalas ay punung-puno ako ng duda sa aking sarili,” she was quoted saying.