ILOILO City – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) formally commended West Visayas State University (WVSU), Central Philippine University (CPU), St. Paul University Iloilo (SPUI), and Aklan State University (ASU)-Banga for further cementing the region’s reputation as the country’s strongest nursing education hub.
The four universities posted near-perfect to perfect results in the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE).
CHED said this is reflective of “high-quality standards and transformative education” in Western Visayas.
WVSU once again led the national field; 36 of its graduates landed in the Top 10, including two students who tied for Top 1 with identical scores of 93.80%. It also posted a 100% passing rate for all 122 examinees, continuing a streak in which every WVSU nursing graduate has passed the PNLE on first take since 2018.
CPU and SPUI matched WVSU’s feat, likewise recording perfect passing rates. All 215 CPU examinees passed, while SPUI produced a spotless performance from its 75 examinees and welcomed one Top 10 placer. SPUI’s Francela Juliana D. Develos ranked in the Top 10 with a score of 92%.
ASU-Banga also delivered a strong showing with a 98.55% passing rate, strengthening the region’s status as a national powerhouse in nursing education.
CHED praised the four institutions for exemplifying excellence in producing competent, community-oriented nurses. According to the agency, their collective achievements uplift the nursing profession and reflect a shared commitment to rigorous academics and service-driven training.
Nationwide, 40,692 of 45,192 takers passed the November 2025 PNLE, resulting in an 89.9% national passing rate — one of the highest in recent years.
CHED said the performances of WVSU, CPU, SPUI, and ASU not only enhance the region’s standing but also highlight Western Visayas’ strong culture of excellence in preparing future healthcare workers capable of addressing evolving global and local health needs./PN
