Four topnotchers to get cash incentives

CEBU, Philippines —  At least four topnotchers in their respective licensure examinations are set to receive monetary incentives from the Cebu City government.

The City Council approved Wednesday separate resolutions extending their congratulations to the topnotchers and their respective schools, as well as granting the cash incentive.

Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros sponsored the resolution regarding the matter.

The awardees are led by John Frederick Decierdo Tabañag of Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) who took the first spot in the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination in February.

Tabañag, who is a resident of Barangay Mambaling, will receive P50,000 for topping the examination with a rating of 89.25 percent.

“Resolved further, to commend Cebu Doctors’ University, the professors and staff, for producing top-quality graduates for bringing pride and honor to Cebu City,” read the resolution.

A resident of Barangay Pit-os, Roxanne Eve Cesa Tuason, who is also of CDU, will receive P15,000 for placing 10th in the same Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination. She got a rating of 84 percent.

After finishing seventh in the Master Plumber Licensure Examination in February with a score of 83 percent, Cebu Institute of Technology-University’s (CIT-U) Jomari Peña Macalinao will also receive P15,000. He is from Barangay Quiot.

Lastly, Matthew Niño Go Dy of the University of San Carlos (USC) will also get P15,000 after placing 8th in the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination in November 2021. The Barangay T. Padilla resident garnered a score of 91.15 percent.

The granting of cash incentives to topnotchers of licensure examinations is based on an existing city ordinance.

According to the city ordinance, city residents who will place 1st in the physician and bar exams will get P100,000 as financial incentive; those placing 2nd to 5th will receive P50,0000; while those placing 6th to 10th will get P20,000.

For other licensure exams given by the Professional Regulation Commission, the topnotcher or 1st placer will get P50,000; 2nd to 5th placers, P25,000; and other top 10 finishers, P15,000. —GMR (FREEMAN)