Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery program at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City recorded a perfect passing rate in the April 2026 Midwives Licensure Examination.
All 43 ESSU examinees passed the test administered by the Professional Regulation Commission, making the university the top-performing school among institutions with at least 30 examinees.
Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales congratulated ESSU for the achievement and also recognized graduate Graceil Rado Dacuno, who ranked 10th nationwide with a score of 92.2 percent.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of ESSU’s midwifery graduates, as well as their commitment to their profession,” Gonzales, a member of the House committee on higher and technical education, said.
“We extend our congratulations to all newly registered midwives and encourage them to uphold this standard of excellence as they begin their professional journeys—serving with compassion, integrity, and purpose,” he added.
Nationwide, 901 out of 2,124 examinees passed the April 2026 licensure exam, for a 42.4-percent passing rate.
Other top-performing schools include the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte, which placed second with 64 of 67 passers, and Tagoloan Community College in Misamis Oriental, which ranked third with 46 of 49 passers.
Gonzales highlighted the vital role of midwives in strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in far-flung and underserved communities where access to medical services remains limited.
He said midwives are at the forefront of maternal and child care, helping reduce risks during pregnancy and childbirth while providing essential services such as prenatal and postnatal care, newborn screening, and family planning education.
The lawmaker added that improving maternal and infant health outcomes remains a global priority under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 2030.
In the Philippines, midwives continue to serve as key frontliners in the healthcare system, delivering life-saving care and supporting healthier communities nationwide.