18 Mindanawons Top 2026 Nursing Licensure Exam

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Eighteen nursing graduates from Mindanao have landed in the top rankings of the August 2026 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on September 19. The 18 topnotchers hailed from eight nursing schools located in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga cities. This achievement underscores the high quality of nursing education offered in the Mindanao region. Nursing is a highly valued profession internationally, with many Filipinos seeking overseas employment. Key destinations for Filipino nurses include Japan, the United States, and Canada. The success of these Mindanao-based graduates could contribute to addressing regional disparities in healthcare professional development within the Philippines and improving the nation's overall healthcare standards. The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination sees a large number of candidates nationwide, with pass rates varying annually. It is known for rigorously assessing the qualifications required for the nursing profession. The prominence of students from a specific region in the top ranks reflects the effectiveness of their educational institutions' curricula, the quality of their educators, and the students' own dedication.