ILOILO City — A graduate of the University of San Agustin (USA) emerged as the topnotcher of the April 2026 Pharmacist Licensure Examination, leading 1,085 successful examinees nationwide with an impressive 94.65-percent rating, according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on April 22.
Royce Arjan Java Fantillan of Oton, Iloilo delivered the highest score among the 1,895 examinees, marking a major academic milestone not only for himself but also for Western Visayas and the Augustinian academic community.
Fantillan attributed his achievement to faith, perseverance, and discipline, expressing gratitude for the strength and clarity he received throughout his preparation.
He also dedicated his success to his parents, recognizing their sacrifices throughout his academic journey.
“Ma, Pa salamat sa tanan niyo nga sakripisyo para sa akon. Sa pag bugtaw sa aga kag pag himos sang mga kinahanglanon ko, makita ko tanan nga pagsakripisyo niyo para sa akon. This achievement I offer for all your sacrifices and hardships that you guys went through just to make me focus on giving my all and finally achieve that title of RPh. I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you, Ma and Pa,” Fantillan said.
He likewise acknowledged the support of his mentors, friends, and the University of San Agustin – College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology for shaping his passion for the profession.
“To the USA-College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, thank you for introducing me to the world of Pharmacy. You made it so that I loved and pursued this profession. Thank you for the support you have given us, especially during the 1st day of the board exam where some of us were obviously nervous and lost in our thoughts,” he added.
The University of San Agustin, in a statement, congratulated Fantillan, saying his achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence and service.
“Your achievement reflects the excellence, discipline, and Augustinian spirit of leadership and service. You have brought great honor to the University and inspired the entire community,” the university said.
Joining Fantillan in the Top 10 are Kyla Camille Semana Ortal of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (94.35%); Hendrix Rob Bueno Cleto of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (94.15%); Denver Miles Seno Arcelo of University of the Visayas – Cebu City (94.10%); Nepth Micro Valera Apil of Central Philippine University (93.50%); Jarein Mae Astellero Cirunay of Southwestern University (93.30%); Gizelle Dhaye Salvatierra Damo of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (93.10%); Marianne Rovic Mohar Macatangay of Our Lady of Fatima University – Valenzuela and Sofia Carranza Peralta of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (both 93.08%); Jelsey Miarah Melchor Velo of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (92.90%); and Cyrus Strauss Vicente Opeña of Mariano Marcos State University – Batac (92.88%).
The licensure examination was administered in multiple testing centers nationwide, including the National Capital Region, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga./PN
