VSU records another #ProudViscan topnotcher in agriculture boards

Ms. Andrea Elcid C. Lungay from the Class of 2021 is one of the country’s examinees who made it to the Top 10 circle with the highest ratings in the recent agriculture boards. She garnered a total score of 88.52%. Last year, Mr. Mark Anthony E. Mata obtained the same spot as Ms. Lungay in the said board exam. 

She hails from Consolacion, Cebu, and finished her baccalaureate in agriculture majoring in soil science in April 2021. Aside from getting her license and placing 7th, she also completed her master’s degree in soil science sometime in August.

In an interview, the #ProudViscan topnotcher revealed that she was about to stop herself from taking this year’s board as she focused on finishing her master’s during that time. Apart from time constraints, she had to accompany her mother to her doctor’s appointment. With only a limited time for review, she had fears and doubts that she might not make it. 

But she conquered all the pressure and anxiety. She enrolled in the UPStep Review Center and prepared holistically—from physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.

“What I did was I listed topics or [subject] areas of [my] weakness in all the subjects. And I prioritized them. Mao toy una nakong gi-tackle. I made sure na nakasabot ko adto.” 

[What I did was I listed topics or [subject areas] of [my] weakness in all the subjects. I prioritized and tackled them first. I made sure I understood them.]

Ms. Lungay mentioned setting daily goals, sticking to them, and determining the right learning style that works for you. 

“Dapat naa kay schedule and of course, you have to stick to it and i-discipline nimo imohang self. And equally important [to] incorporate rest and recreation as [the] brain will need a break after studying.”

[You need to have a schedule and of course, you have to stick to it and discipline yourself [to study]. And it is equally important to incorporate rest and recreation, as [the] brain will need a break after studying.]

The #ProudViscan topnotcher highlighted the importance of incorporating rest and physical activities to avoid getting sick while preparing for the board exam.

She also added that she created flashcards containing small chunks of information that she later used to scan as her final review before taking the exam.

“Read as much as you can. Take quizzes to test yourself and your retention. And pray for guidance.”

Like many, Ms. Lungay disclosed that she is at a crossroads after finishing her graduate degree and licensure exam. But she assured herself that eventually she would find a place in agriculture, be it in the academe, research, or industry.

She thanked the Viscan community for celebrating with them—all LEA passers—and the lessons VSU taught them that influenced their performance in the licensure exam.

“The university fosters a culture of excellence. We are continuously reminded by our mentors, professors, and instructors to do the best that we can. I think that was my fuel, forcing me to challenge myself and beat my fears and doubts. I told myself that I just [had] to conquer the obstacles, and that was what VSU taught me.”

She also reminded Viscans to continue to strive for excellence and take the lessons in their undergraduate years since it is the foundation for the licensure exam. 

“Just remember, with faith and determination, we can achieve great things. Let’s continue to strive for excellence and give our best in all our pursuits. We are Viscans; we can,” Ms. Lungay said. “Your preparation for the board exam started during your first year in college.”

Ms. Lungay is among the 160 new agriculturists in the whole VSU system, 144 (70.90%) from the Main Campus in Baybay City, 10 (41.67%) from VSU Alangalang, and 6 (50%) from VSU Villaba. The institutional passing rate of VSU beats the 50.78% national passing percentage with the University of the Philippines Los Baños as the undefeated outstanding school with a 100% passing rate.

The board exam was conducted on November 12-14, 2024, at PRC testing centers located in Metro Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Palawan, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

The full list of passers can be accessed here.

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 4 (Quality Education).