An alumnus of Bicol University College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) Department of Accountancy topped the October 2009 licensure examinations for Certified Public Accountants. Ivan Rhett Villacampa Macabeo of Guinobatan, Albay got a rating of 91.71% and became the exam topnotcher together with Romelyn Manset Carpio of De La Salle University – Lipa, who also garnered a rating of 91.71%.

Kaiser Yohann Pranada Ballecer of Arimbay, Legazpi City, also an alumnus of BU clinched the seventh rank with a rating of 90.57%. Another Bicolano, Paul Robert Vera Morata of Ateneo de Naga is ranked 10th with a rating of 90.14%.

Meanwhile, two alumni of Bicol University College of Engineering also brought prestige and pride to the school by topping the October 2009 licensure examinations for Mechanical Engineers. Marcelo Casquejo Santillan is ranked third with a rating of 88.55% while Christopher Beunavente Sanchez is ranked seventh with a rating of 87.20%.

Bicol University | Photo by Mr. Simon Listana

The Accountancy Department of Bicol University has an impressive track record in CPA Board Exam placements. It consistently ranks as among the top three performing schools in its category since 2002. In the May 2009 CPA Board Exams, BU finally ranked first.

This is the second time that an alumnus of BU clinched the top spot in the CPA board exams. Since 1996, ten of the department’s graduates have made it to the prestigious Top 20 Placers in the country: Janeth T. Nuñez was 4th in 1996, Janel D. Mujar was 1st in 1998, and Hazel Angeline Q. Abenoja was 5th in 2008.

Aside from Accountancy and Engineering, Bicol University, which is celebrating its 40th year this year, also excels in Nursing and Social Work. BU obtained an 81% passing rate in Nursing, having maintained a passing rate of 75% and above since 2005. The Social Work department also maintains consistently high passing rates not lower than 86% in their licensure examinations. In 2004, the Social Work Department posted a 100% passing rate.

Congratulations to the Topnotchers and to Bicol University!