🗓️ Updated on May 20, 2026.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continues to prove that investing in education is an investment in a brighter future, as 86 former monitored children of the program secured spots in the Top 10 of the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The remarkable achievements highlight how sustained government support in education can transform lives, break intergenerational poverty, and produce future professionals who now stand among the country’s best. 

According to 4Ps National Program Manager and Director Gemma B. Gabuya, 86 out of the 496 nationwide LET topnotchers in both Elementary and Secondary levels came from 4Ps families. 

“This is a very momentous moment, not just for the Program but more importantly, the families who have a fighting chance of improving their lives. These are not just numbers but a strong testament and a reflection of how sustained support in education can help transform lives and create pathways out of poverty,” Director Gabuya pointed out.

Among the most notable achievements this year is the historic performance of 4Ps former monitored children in both examination categories. In the Secondary Level, Rashil Rae Ramos Recorte emerged as the lone Top 1 passer nationwide with a rating of 95.8, while in the Elementary Level, Jhade Vine Icot ranked among the six Top 1 passers with a rating of 95.0

Meanwhile, the following are the other 4Ps LET topnotchers:

SECONDARY LEVEL 

Top 2 – 95.0

• Allana Gumawa Abordo

Top 3 – 94.6

• Jasmin Datu Imam Alimosa
• Ramil Gabrino Gaurano Jr.

Top 5 – 94.2

• Jemark M. Tipontipon
• Bliss Marie P. Abcede
• Jeny Maica Cabales Permejo
  
• Erica Ostos Gonzales

Top 6 – 94.0

• Angelo O. Vino
• Jomare S. Repalda
• Jessebel U. Caagusan
• Harley B. Base

Top 7 – 93.8

• Deniel Boongaling Ramirez
• Junryl O. Macasa
• Angel May Bernal Bechayda
• Arabela A. Bermas
• Rossie Lei Alemania Lita
• Mardina P. Taglay
• Carl Joshua Lanza
• Abegail P. Dajao
• Mark Anthony Enabore Yu
• Jeremie B. Failagutan
• Steven Dave M. Abaster

Top 8 – 93.6 

• Jayson B. Acabo
• Arabelle Lusing
• James Bañez Oracion
• 4Ps beneficiary from Region 1
• Jayson Acabo

Top 9 – 93.4 

• Nora B. Palacielo
• Angelica Doña De Guzman
• Alvin A. Cantero
• Emarvin Terrano Gregorio
• Glenda Marie Olinan Rodulfo
• Christine Faith O. Heraldo
• Jade Art Obalan Silvano
• Marian Jane M. Wacdas
• Wendy Marie C. Cawayan
• Rhealyn V. Geroche
• Angeline Buasan Buen 
• Jester Llandelar Felizarta 
• Bong Jay-Ar Racha
• Reymark S. Rimbo
• Glowen Kyle Daniel Aparece
• Christine Mae Balunto

Top 10 – 93.2

• Francis Kim R. Penuliar
• Jade R. Wenceslao
• Jerald B. Loyola

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

Top 2 – 94.69

• Jyra Trixie Marie Valiente Bartolo

Top 3 – 94.4

• Chester Paul Zius O. Padilla
• Raquel Delasas Silaya
• Ernyst Chille Risos Mundala
• Gizelle C. Salazar

Top 5 – 93.8

• Leah Olarte Godoy
• Jeanylyn Barsaga Bilason
• Jashmen P. Pason
• Jean Mayeth A. Jaca
• Sherwin Batistil
• Moneth Bulos Openiano
• Niña Almira Bantilan
• Mae Hazael Quezon Acain
• Sophia Acquin Agahot Prista
• Niña Naneth M. Reando
• Ledelyn G. Macion
• Mary Grace M. Mahusay

Top 6 – 93.6

• Salvacion Sanquilos

Top 7 – 93.4

• Hanna Jane Molina
• Jane Ruth I. Fernandez
• Aparilyn V. Tordos

Top 8 – 93.2

• Jemby M. Magpali
• Micah Jeanelle B. Faustino
• Javie G. Alcansado
• Lorena Ardales Llamera
• Maricar Magayanes Laban
• Ariane Marie Manjares Lisay
• Angelyn Nacar Jayan
• Daisy Mae C. Bulawan
• Teresa C. Daytic
• Analyn M. Eslao

Top 9 – 93.0

• Alliah Mae Montilla Cotejar
• Maricel T. Erispe
• Cecel D. Abiao
• Dimple G. Delfinado

Top 10 – 92.8

• Myla Magdasoc Nabor
• Christel J. Surita

“These results send a powerful message: when poor children are given the opportunity to stay in school, they can compete, excel, and lead,” Director Gabuya said.

The accomplishment comes at a critical time when the 4Ps program continues to face misinformation, stigma, and misconceptions online.

“For years, many have questioned whether poor families can truly rise above poverty through government support. These 86 topnotchers are the answer. They are living proof that education assistance, when combined with perseverance and responsible parenting, produces real and measurable success,” Director Gabuya stressed.

The 4Ps, the government’s flagship human development and social protection program, provides conditional cash grants to help low-income households support the education, health, and nutrition needs of their children.

Far from fostering dependency, the program has enabled millions of children to finish school, pursue higher education, and eventually become professionals capable of uplifting their families and communities.

One of this year’s most inspiring stories is that of Christel Jaspe Surita, a former 4Ps monitored child and person with visual impairment from Iloilo, who secured a spot in the Top 10 of the LET despite immense personal and financial challenges.

“Hindi man malinaw ang aking paningin, maliwanag naman ang aking pangarap (My vision may not be clear, but my dreams are bright.),” Christel shared.

Raised in a poor household alongside siblings who also have visual impairments, Christel endured discrimination and uncertainty from an early age. Yet through determination, scholarships, family support, and government assistance, she persevered and graduated Cum Laude from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology – Dumangas Campus.

“Nang mapabilang ang aming pamilya sa 4Ps, unti-unting napaunlad ang aming pamumuhay. Mas nagsikap kami sa pag-aaral dahil alam naming hindi pinupulot ang perang natatanggap mula sa pamahalaan,” she recalled.

(When our family became part of 4Ps, our living conditions gradually improved. We worked harder in our studies because we knew that the assistance from the government was not easily earned.)

Director Gabuya underscored that stories like Christel’s reflect the true mission of 4Ps—not simply to provide temporary relief, but to create opportunities that allow families to eventually stand on their own.

“The true success of 4Ps is not measured by how long families stay in the program, but by how far their children can go because of the opportunities they received,” she added.

Today, 4Ps continues to support more than three million families nationwide, ensuring that children from disadvantaged households are able to stay in school, access healthcare, and pursue their dreams.

As the country celebrates the success of these new teachers, the program hopes their stories will inspire a deeper appreciation of education, responsible parenthood, and the transformative power of social protection programs that invest in people.

“These topnotchers are not just passers. They are symbols of hope, perseverance, and the power of opportunity. They remind us that poverty should never define a child’s future,” Director Gabuya said. [Updated as of May 20, 2026] – Niño Mel Hayno Trinidad