WHAT started as a simple wish to just make it to the Top 10 turned into a remarkable triumph beyond imagination. Two graduates from the College of Nursing at West Visayas State University (WVSU) on Luna Street, La Paz, Iloilo City not only achieved that goal — they ranked first in the November 2025 Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE).
George Wilson Tan Escordial of Miag-ao, Iloilo, and Johannah Marie Gerardo Acevedo of Lezo, Aklan, both scored an outstanding 93.80%, securing the top spot. They were among 36 WVSU nursing graduates who entered the Top 10 and part of the university’s 122 examinees who achieved a 100% passing rate.
Escordial turns hardship into inspiration
George Wilson Tan Escordial (right) of Miag-ao, Iloilo is very thankful to his parents (left) because despite all the hardships and limitations, they helped him finished college. “Now I feel joy and gratitude to the Lord, as all our sacrifices and hard work from the start of nursing paid off,” he said. SCREENGRAB FROM RMN ILOILO
For Escordial, life’s challenges fueled his determination to succeed. Born to a father who worked as a carpenter and a housewife mother, he faced financial struggles from a young age, often attending school with barely enough to eat.
“From elementary to high school, even in college, life was tough. Sometimes we ate only rice with fish sauce, occasionally bar nuts, dried fish, or even just salt,” Escordial recalled, his voice tinged with emotion.
During periods when his father was unemployed due to illness, the family’s financial burden intensified.
“At times, we had to borrow money, and whatever was on the table was our meal — dry rice, salt, or anything we could find. But what mattered was that we had rice and that I could go to school,” he said.
His mother often borrowed from neighbors and local lending shops, sometimes hiding at home when unable to pay. Meanwhile, his father returned to carpentry despite lingering illness, and Escordial would help with masonry, cement mixing, block-making, and other carpentry work. Even summers were spent carrying gallons of water to earn extra income.
“All of this became my motivation to dedicate myself to studying nursing,” Escordial said. “I’m very thankful to my parents, because despite all the hardships and limitations, they helped me graduate. Now I feel joy and gratitude to the Lord, as all our sacrifices and hard work from the start of nursing paid off.”
The decision to pursue nursing was also personal. After witnessing his grandmother’s passing, he wanted a profession that would allow him to help family and others in times of illness.
“I initially thought of civil engineering because I liked math, but seeing the health struggles in my community, including my own family, I realized nursing was a course where I could make a difference,” he explained.
Surpassing expectations
Although Escordial aimed to be a top scorer, he admitted he was unsure he could actually achieve it, given the competition. Yet his hard work, preparation, and support from WVSU’s College of Nursing gave him confidence.
“Our goal as Batch Avani of 2025 was a 100% passing rate for all 122 examinees, and we achieved it,” he said, overwhelmed not only by his personal success but also by the collective achievement of his batchmates.
Family pride and joy were equally immense. Escordial’s parents, Wilson and Analiza, could not hold back their tears upon learning their eldest son topped the exam.
“I only prayed he’d make it to the Top 10. I never expected him to be first. I cried tears of joy, waking our neighbors to celebrate with us,” his mother shared.
Now, his parents hope that Escordial will secure a good job to support the family and help his younger siblings finish college.
Acevedo’s answered prayer
Johannah Marie Gerardo Acevedo (left) of Lezo, Aklan said that despite facing challenges during her college coursework and hospital duties, she overcame them with the steadfast support of her parents (right).
For Acevedo, her top ranking also feels “surreal.” She originally prayed only to make it into the Top 10.
“Honestly, I was really hoping for it, but my prayer was just to reach the Top 10. To be first is beyond belief — it still feels unreal,” Acevedo said.
Acevedo’s consistent academic excellence — from preschool through college — and active participation in extracurricular activities paved the way for her success. Despite facing challenges during her college coursework and hospital duties, she overcame them with the steadfast support of her parents, both of whom have stable jobs: her father as a department head in Lezo local government unit and her mother as a bank employee.
The triumph of Escordial and Acevedo is not just a personal victory — it is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of family support. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring nurses, proving that hard work, faith, and sacrifice can indeed turn dreams into reality./PN
