‘You can have doubts and still move forward’: Palawan native goes to SLU Baguio, rises to Pharmacy board top 10

FEATURE

BAGUIO CITY — He left the familiar shores of Palawan for the cold mountains of Baguio, carrying a dream of serving his home community but uncertain whether he was capable of achieving it.

For 22-year-old Dexter C. Eclarino, the journey to becoming one of the country’s topnotchers in the October 2026 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PhLE) was not simply a test of academic knowledge. It was also a battle against homesickness, pressure, and the persistent fear of falling short.

His experience would eventually teach him a lesson he now hopes to share with other young dreamers: “You can have doubts and still move forward.”

A graduate of Saint Louis University (SLU), Eclarino earned a rating of 94.88 percent to place 10th in the October 2026 PhLE, tying with Brian Butch C. Manuel of Our Lady of Fatima University–Valenzuela.

The Professional Regulation Commission announced on October 21 that 3,830 of the 4,944 examinees passed the examination, posting a national passing rate of 77.47 percent.

But behind Eclarino’s impressive result was a young man who, despite a history of academic excellence, was not always certain he would make it.

A dream bigger than home

Growing up in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Eclarino had long demonstrated a talent for academics. He graduated as salutatorian in kindergarten and as valedictorian in elementary, junior high school, and senior high school.

His interest in mathematics, science, and chemistry eventually led him to Pharmacy, a field he saw as an opportunity to turn his academic strengths into meaningful service.

“For me, Pharmacy is more than just understanding medicines; it is about helping people achieve better health and improving their quality of life,” he said in an exclusive interview with GURU Press Cordillera.

“I believe that the knowledge and skills I gain should not only benefit me but also the community I hope to serve.”

At the time, Pharmacy was not yet offered as a degree program in Palawan. Pursuing the course meant leaving home, but it also meant taking a step toward his aspiration of helping address the healthcare needs of his fellow Palaweños.

He chose SLU for its reputation for academic excellence and professional competence. Baguio’s learning environment, cool climate, and emphasis on discipline and education also drew him to the city.

What he did not anticipate was how much the experience would demand from him beyond the classroom.

Learning to stand on his own

Moving from Palawan to Baguio was Eclarino’s first prolonged separation from his family. Away from the people and surroundings he had always known, he had to adjust not only to college life but also to the responsibilities of living independently.

“Beyond adjusting to college life, I had to learn how to become independent, manage my responsibilities, and keep going even when I missed home,” he recalled.

The distance taught him that pursuing a dream sometimes requires stepping into unfamiliar territory without knowing exactly how everything will unfold.

“Looking back, that experience taught me that growing up sometimes means learning to stand on your own while remaining grateful for the people who continue to support you from afar,” he said.

His journey was also a reminder that independence does not mean facing every challenge alone. Even from a distance, the encouragement and sacrifices of his family would remain an important source of strength.

When hard work meets self-doubt

As the licensure examination approached, Eclarino faced a different kind of challenge.

Despite his strong academic background and preparation, he struggled with the pressure of expectations and the possibility of failure. At times, he questioned whether he had studied enough and whether his efforts would lead to the result he wanted.

The doubts affected his motivation and led him to overthink the demands of the examination.

Rather than waiting for his fears to disappear, he learned to concentrate on what he could control. He continued showing up for his review sessions, even on days when he lacked motivation, while leaning on his faith and the people who reminded him that he did not have to carry the pressure alone.

“Looking back, the journey was a mental game as much as it was an academic one,” he said.

“I learned that you can have doubts and still move forward. You do not need to feel confident every day to keep working toward something you believe in.”

That realization became one of the most valuable lessons of his preparation: confidence does not always come before action. Sometimes, it grows through the decision to keep going despite uncertainty.

Consistency over perfection

Eclarino began preparing for the licensure examination during his undergraduate years, gradually learning which study methods worked best for him.

During his review, he focused on structured study sessions, active recall, practice questions, and identifying weaknesses that needed improvement. Instead of repeatedly reviewing topics he already understood, he devoted more attention to areas where he needed to grow.

He also learned that preparation did not mean sacrificing every part of his life to academic work.

“If there was one thing that made a difference, it was learning to balance discipline with self-awareness,” he said.

“I did not have to be motivated every day, nor did I have to sacrifice every part of my life just to perform well. I simply had to keep showing up, trust the process, and do the best I could with the time I had.”

Even after months of preparation, however, he remained uncertain about the outcome. Knowing how challenging the examination could be, he considered passing alone a blessing.

Seeing his name among the topnotchers therefore came as an overwhelming surprise.

“Becoming one of the topnotchers is a bonus,” he said, explaining that the achievement became especially meaningful because he remembered the doubts he had carried throughout the journey.

He was proud of the result, but more than the numerical rating, he was grateful for the people who had helped him reach it.

An achievement shared by many

For Eclarino, the distinction was never solely his own.

He dedicated his achievement to his parents, Mama Nedz and Papa Joel, and his sister, Deah, for their trust, sacrifices, and unconditional support. He also expressed gratitude to his aunt, Patrice, whom he considers his second mother in Baguio, and his girlfriend, Princess, for her patience, understanding, and constant reassurance.

He credited SLU, particularly the faculty and professors of its Department of Pharmacy, for their guidance, along with the Provincial Government of Palawan for its financial assistance.

His mentors, classmates, friends, and the communities that shaped him also formed part of the support system that helped him through difficult moments.

Above all, he acknowledged God for sustaining him through uncertainty and providing him with strength, wisdom, opportunities, and people who believed in him.

“I came to Baguio carrying a dream from Palawan, and I am grateful that I get to bring this achievement home to the people and community who helped shape me,” he said.

“To everyone who became part of this journey, this is for you.”

Beyond the top 10

While becoming a licensed pharmacist marks a significant milestone, Eclarino sees it as one step in a longer journey.

His next goal is to pursue Medicine, allowing him to expand his knowledge and eventually contribute to healthcare as a physician.

He hopes to bring what he has learned back to Palawan, where his desire to serve his fellow Palaweños first inspired him to pursue a healthcare profession.

For young people who aspire to follow a similar path, he advises choosing Pharmacy out of genuine interest rather than external pressure, noting that personal commitment is essential to navigating the demands of the profession.

He also encourages students to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities, personal interests, and relationships.

“I believe that you do not have to lose yourself to become the person you aspire to be,” he said.

“You can work hard and still have fun. You can be ambitious and still make time for the things that make you happy. What matters is learning to manage your time, understand your priorities, and show up consistently for the goals you have set.”

His advice to those struggling with self-doubt is to remain patient with themselves and recognize that slow progress does not necessarily mean failure.

“Coming from Palawan and studying far from home, I learned that big dreams may require you to step outside your comfort zone, make sacrifices, and trust a process you cannot always predict,” he said.

“But you do not have to have everything figured out from the beginning. Start where you are, make the most of the opportunities you have, and keep moving forward.”

From a young student who left Palawan uncertain of what awaited him in Baguio to a national Pharmacy board topnotcher, Eclarino’s journey is a testament not to a life without fear, but to the courage to pursue a dream even when doubt remains.

And as he prepares for the next chapter, his ambition continues to point toward the same purpose that brought him to Baguio in the first place: to learn, to grow, and one day, to give back to the community he calls home.