ILOILO City – This city once again asserted its reputation for producing top-caliber professionals. Three graduates landed in the Top 10 of the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects, with a University of San Agustin (USA) graduate emerging as the country’s second highest scorer and two Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) graduates also making the elite list.
Leading the Ilonggo achievers is Michael Bryan Barredo Gacer of USA, who placed second nationwide with a rating of 89.70 percent.
The feat further cements Gacer’s impressive academic record after he also finished fourth in the February 2026 Master Plumber Licensure Examination, showing his versatility in the fields of architecture and plumbing.
Joining him among the country’s top-performing examinees are Peter Banjao Zarriz of Balasan, Iloilo, an ISAT-U graduate who ranked sixth with 88.50 percent, and fellow ISAT-U graduate Krisha Angel Potente Raquiz, who placed tenth with 87.70 percent.
The University of San Agustin hailed Gacer’s achievement as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, saying his success mirrors the dedication of both its students and faculty members.
ISAT-U likewise celebrated the accomplishments of Zarriz and Raquiz, saying their success brings honor to the university and serves as an inspiration to aspiring architects throughout Western Visayas.
Beyond the examination results, Zarriz emphasized that becoming a licensed architect also carries a profound responsibility to protect the public through ethical and professional practice.
In an interview, he stressed the importance of complying with government-mandated minimum standards in all construction projects, saying such adherence safeguards public welfare while ensuring quality implementation.
Zarriz also underscored the need for architects to uphold integrity above personal interests, placing the well-being of communities at the heart of every design.
He added that architects should practice empathy by considering how their work affects people’s lives and expressed his commitment to promoting green architecture, saying environmentally sustainable designs help conserve energy while enhancing the quality of life.
Looking ahead, Zarriz said he hopes to gain extensive professional experience before eventually establishing his own architectural firm focused on innovation and sustainable design./PN
