Two iKalinga graduates are regional topnotchers (Region II Top 2, 8) in 2026 Criminology Board Exam

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Two graduates of Kalinga State University (KSU) earned regional topnotcher honors in the August 2026 Licensure Examination for Criminologists (LEC), proving that aspiring professionals from Kalinga can excel in their chosen fields without leaving the province to pursue their education.

Christel Dang-ao ranked second in Region 2 with a rating of 91.55%, while Mark Rafanot placed eighth with 90.20%, based on the regional rankings released on October 26.

The two graduates of KSU’s College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) initially thought they had fallen short of their goal after seeing their ratings following the release of the national examination results on September 1.

They showed their scores to CCJE Dean Dr. Mary Grace Malawis-Ignacio and told her, “Ma’am, sayang, konting kembot na lang sana,” expressing their feeling that they had been close to making the national Top 10, whose lowest rating was 92.45%.

Ignacio said she could not help but smile at their reaction, noting that even after earning impressive scores, the two remained determined to do better.

“That made me smile, because it says a lot about them. They placed Top 2 and Top 8 in the region, and still they were thinking they could have done more. That's the kind of drive you can't teach,” Ignacio told GURU Press Cordillera.

She said the college was proud of the graduates and their achievement, which she described as an inspiration to other young people in Kalinga.

“For Kalinga, this achievement means so much. It shows our young people that you don't have to leave home to be among the best in the region,” she said.

Ignacio attributed their success to their sacrifices, determination, long nights of studying, and efforts to overcome the pressures of preparing for the licensure examination.

She also recognized the graduates’ families and the CCJE faculty for supporting them and believing in their abilities.

“To Christel and Mark, you didn't fall short. You made all of us proud. Now the real work begins. Serve with honesty, fairness, and a heart for the people who need protection most,” Ignacio said.

Meanwhile, KSU ranked third among the top-performing schools in the category with 101 to 199 examinees in the August 2026 LEC, posting an 84.55% passing rate.

The regional rankings and the university’s performance underscore KSU’s contribution to producing competent criminology graduates and show how local educational institutions can help their students compete at the regional level.