ThePILLARS Publication

05/10/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | AdNU’s Sumalabe ranks 7th in BLEPP ‘25

Nicole Therese Sumalabe led Ateneo de Naga University’s Psychology Department by placing seventh in the September 2025 Board Licensure Examination for Psychometricians (BLEPP), where the university also recorded a 99.03 percent passing rate and ranked among the top three performing schools in the 100–299 examinees category.

Held last 24–25 September 2025 and administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 102 out of 103 graduates successfully passed the exam, marking one of the department’s highest success rates to date.

In an interview, Sumalabe, now a registered psychometrician, expressed both disbelief and gratitude upon the release of the BLEPP results, describing her experience as an “unexpected blessing.” She credited the AdNU Psychology program’s academic training, the Review for Global Opportunity (RGO) center, resources from the “supportive psychology online community,” batchmates’ collectivism, and self-diligence in her preparation for the licensure exam.

Sumalabe shared the contribution of her four-year academic experience at AdNU to her board exam preparations. “The constant exposure to challenging tasks honed the Atenean core value of magis in me… I didn’t study just to pass; I saw each question, each concept, as a bridge to saving a life someday,” she reflected.

“I wanted to truly understand, to be ready for the real-world responsibility that comes with this profession so that I may be able to serve the people I hope to serve with compassion and competence,” she added.

AdNU’s third-place finish and the APSA cohort’s high passing rate highlight both the department’s effective training and the students’ collective dedication inside and outside the university.

“From what I can see sa group chat mi, very supportive ang bawat saro… si moral support tapos si companionship na we offer to each other helped us talaga sa pag-review and na-boost si motivation mi and natawan kami ning strength knowing na we are not alone sa journey na ini,” the topnotcher shared, highlighting the value of collective emotional support with her APSA peers and review center community.

The RPm designation authorizes holders to administer and score standardized psychological tests and assist in assessments under professional guidelines. Sumalabe notes that this qualification is often misunderstood. “Some mistake it as a psychologist, and it’s a very uncommon term for most. For me, RPM is dae lang kaya siya ma-administer kang test, dae lang siya itong magibong case report. It’s about practicing your knowledge and applying si ethics para maging humane si practice. Hindi lang yung technical,” she explained.

Her seventh-place finish is a notable individual milestone, yet, like any other examinee, she admits internal challenges, inevitable self-doubt, and the disbelief that surfaced upon the announcement of the BLEPP results.

“Grabe si disbelief na na feel ko and I tried to think about ano meaning kaning seventh place for me. And sobrang hirap, sobrang big question talaga… So I think it's more than just a personal achievement—but an achievement of the psychology department, as somehow, we represent Ateneo pa rin. So ranking seventh for me is also bringing the name of Ateneo nationwide and …yes an opening opportunity for me and for my family,” she shared, reflecting not only an individual success but also a collective dedication to the entire AdNU Psychology community and familial service.

Finally, Sumalabe advises future BLEPP takers to “first just enjoy the moment” and “do it afraid,” reminding future board takers that fear and hitting rock bottom are all part of the learning process. “Things will eventually go well with the right people to support you… Enjoy the moment kasi our learning is not to pass, but learning to save lives,” she highlighted. | via Ayesha Bernadette De Mesa and Ivy Jane Peñaredondo/ThePILLARS Publication

Pubmat by Ivan Obias/ThePILLARS Publication

04/10/2025

𝗩𝗢𝗫 𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗢 | Mula sa silid hanggang sa lansangan, nagpupumiglas ang tinig ng kabataan: ang tunay na pagkatuto ay nakaukit sa pakikibaka, hindi ikinukulong sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Sa katatapos lang na Trillion Peso March sa Kabikolan, malaking bahagi ng kabuuang 30,000 nagprotesta ang kabataang mag-aaral, na siyang humabi ng iisang panawagan: panagutin ang mga tiwaling politikong patuloy na ninanakawan at nilalapastangan ang ating bansa. Ang bawat boses ay hindi lamang protesta kundi panata—na ang masa ay kailanma’y hindi magbubulag-bulagan sa sugat ng korapsiyon.

Basahin ang mga hinaing at paninindigan ng kabataang handang iguhit ang hinaharap sa dagundong ng pakikibaka. | via Carlo Panambo/ThePILLARS

Reports by Carlo Panambo and Billy Cruz/ThePILLARS
Pubmats by Jascyl Sayson/ThePILLARS

04/10/2025

02/10/2025

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Libo-libong Bikolano, nakiisa sa Trillion Peso March kontra katiwalian

Rumpagon an korapsiyon!

Binaha ng humigit kumulang 30000 mamamayang Bikolano, kasama ang Pamantasang Ateneo de Naga, ang mga kalsada ng Siyudad ng Naga sa Trillion Peso March sa Kabikolan na inorganisa ng Caritas-Caceres at Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan, katuwang ng Liderato kan Nueva Atenista. Mula sa mga paaralan, parokya, relihiyoso, hanggang sa mga kabataan at ordinaryong Bikolano, iisa ang tinig: lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot.

Sa pamamagitan ng 𝘯𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦, mga panawagan, at mensahe ng pakikiisa mula sa iba’t ibang sektor, umalingawngaw ang sigaw ng mga estudyante at g**o laban sa matagal nang sugat ng bayan—ang sistemikong kurapsyon. Nagtapos ang martsa sa Peñafrancia Basilica Minore kung saan muling pinagtibay ng lahat ang kanilang paninindigan para sa katarungan at pananagutan.

Suot ang puti, dala ang mga placards, at gamit ang tinig ng masa, nananatiling malinaw ang layunin: korapsiyon, tigilan, labanan, at huwag pahintulutan. | via Ivan Obias/ThePILLARS

02/10/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Anger and frustrations explode through roars on the streets of Naga as various institutions, organizations, and delegates from across the Bicol region participated in the Trillion Peso March sa Kabikolan today, 1 October 2025.

A momentous program for students, faculty, staff, and delegates was held at the Four Pillars of Ateneo de Naga University to formally open the event. Chants, placards, and voices painted every corner of the University: Panagutin, Singilin, Labanan! Not empty noise, but cries for justice and reform.

The designated route and assembly points started from Ateneo, moving through the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Quince Martires, Camarines Sur National High School, Naga College Foundation, and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology. Along the way, participants from these assembly points joined the procession, with contingents from schools such as the University of Nueva Caceres, Universidad de Sta. Isabel, and other academic institutions in Naga adding their voices to the growing crowd, until the march reached its final destination at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia for the rally proper.

The scorching heat did not silence the voices of the Bicolanos as they marched toward the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore. Despite the sweltering sun, participants pressed on with determination, carrying their pride and love for country. Placards bore concerns, witty lines, and urgent calls for action, fully capturing the purpose of the rally. Chants thundered through the streets, echoing the disappointment of the people toward corrupt government officials.

The program at the Basilica began with an opening prayer and the singing of the national anthem led by the University of Nueva Caceres Glee Club, and was followed by speakers who shared their advocacies and cries. Voices were different, yet it shared the same loud, furious, and wrathful calls for accountability. As the rally concluded, a candle-lighting ceremony and a solemn mass was led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Wilfred Almoneda.

It is with prayer that we, Filipinos are united. But today, let us remember that prayer without action is a wish on a a fake star. True faith demands movement, and true hope requires courage to stand firm. As long as injustice thrives, our voices should be more powerful. Our feet must never stop marching until corruption fades. Let us make our prayers a moving protest, and continue to fight for a country we all deserve. We will, and never should be, silenced. | via Theo Bordado/ ThePILLARS Publication.

Photos by Asher Servano, Benedict Limjoco, Dinno Noora, Gianna Delima, Hector Bulalacao, Jemar Alexopoulos, Jen Buela, Jeremiah Lirag, Jireh Labor, Neil Mondragon, Terrence Azañes, & Suzie Magno/ ThePILLARS Publication

02/10/2025

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥 | Wake up— September has ended, and we are now embarking on the month of October for the first semester of the school year 2025-2026. This is the month for you to prepare for the midterms as well as for the rainy days ahead, and this is also your gentle and friendly reminder to keep safe, warm, and dry. May this month be as kind and at ease as the season of fall that goes all too well.

These are your important dates to remember for this month of October:

𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟰-𝟭𝟬: Midterm Examination
𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵-𝟯𝟭: Advisement Period for 2nd Semester, 2025-2026 Enrollment
𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟵-𝟯𝟭: Undas Break
𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟭: All Saint's Day Eve

01/10/2025

Tara na sa Basilica.

Cartoon by Jascyl Jee Sayson/ThePILLARS

01/10/2025

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 | Calling out on the injustices and corruption that continuously put Filipinos and the country at great risk, students hold a Campus Walkout and Noise Barrage as they flood the halls and grounds of the Ateneo de Naga University with chants to demand accountability and justice today, 1 October.

A short program will follow in front of the Four Pillars, in line with today’s Trillion Peso March sa Kabikolan. | via Rica Borromeo/ThePILLARS

29/09/2025

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | The Ateneo de Naga University Management Integration System (MIS) launches the integration of ADNUPay into the MyAdnu student portal, allowing students to conveniently settle their term dues anytime and anywhere. This feature has been designed for the convenience of all Ateneans as the midterm examinations approach.

To guide users through this new feature, a user guide has been attached containing detailed instructions on how to access and use AdNUPay via MyAdNU. | via Kaye Baldoza

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZaNwYybkCWs9mbUjPum51XVKSsucnHi/view?usp=sharing

29/09/2025

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Citing "real, direct, grave, and imminent threats" to his life and that of his family members, Ako Bicol Parylist Representative Zaldy Co irrevocably resigns today, 29 September 2025.

His resignation comes in the wake of investigations surrounding flood control projects, where he is said to be one of the kingpins. | via Ivan Obias/ThePILLARS

27/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | AdNU produces three newly licensed psychologists

Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School and Psychology Department, in separate posts, applaud Pevi Mariz F. De Ocampo, Odette E. Esteve, and Raven C. Shea as they all pass the September 2025 Psychologists Computer-Based Licensure Examination.

Attesting to its commitment to producing Ignatian professionals in various fields, the university achieved a 100% passing rate in the said exams.

The results were released by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) on its website yesterday, 26 September 2025. | via Angeline R. Eneria/ThePILLARS

Photo courtesy of Professional Regulations Commission