Top 9 Psychometrician and Board Passers from SVD-run School See God in Their Journey

When Cybelle Alexis Gayeta, a 24-year-old psychology graduate from the Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) in Oriental Mindoro, learned that she had placed Top 9 in the Philippine Board Licensure Examination for Psychometricians, she was stunned and deeply moved by the joy of her entire school community.

It was a first in DWCC’s history, both for the School of Arts and Sciences and the Psychology Department, a proud moment for the SVD-run institution that continues to form young people in faith and service.

Finding God’s Plan in Psychology

In the Philippines, a Psychometrician is a licensed mental health professional who administers and interprets psychological tests, helping people understand their thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

For Gayeta, her path to psychology was far from straightforward. “I really liked the course,” she recalled, “but the pandemic stopped my parents from sending me to study outside our island.” She initially enrolled in Civil Engineering, DWCC’s flagship program, before realizing that God was calling her to Psychology, “a helping profession that fits me, as I’ve always wanted to be a listening support system.”

Among 14,275 examinees nationwide, 12,416 passed the board exam. DWCC produced 17 new Psychometricians, achieving an impressive 89.47% passing rate, higher than the national average of 86.98%. Since the board exam’s introduction in 2014, the school had exceeded the national rate only twice before, in 2015 and 2018.

A Celebration of Faith and Excellence

On October 10, 2025, DWCC celebrated Gayeta’s achievement with a Thanksgiving Mass and a motorcade. As children waved and cheered, she said it felt as though “a miracle was being celebrated.”

“Her success reflects not only brilliance and perseverance but also the DWCCian spirit of faith, integrity, and excellence that continues to inspire generations,” the school posted on social media.
To honor her achievement, DWCC awarded ₱50,000 each to Gayeta and the School of Arts and Sciences, and granted a 100% scholarship in any program to a scholar of Gayeta’s choice.

“I’m Not the Smartest, Just the Most Grateful”

“Never in my life did I imagine I’d be here,” Gayeta said with humility. “I’ve never seen myself as the smartest person in the room; I was just persistent. I’d always be the last to pass my paper because I was a slow reader and double-checked everything. I’m deeply grateful for the love and pride my school has shown. I’ll always carry DWCC’s name with honor.”

Dean Monaliza Delen-Perez attributed the success to faith, teamwork, and strong mentorship. Under Ms. Mia Villanueva, chair of the Psychology program, students cultivated both academic discipline and spiritual grounding. Their unity during the review period, administrative support, and hospital internship in Manila also strengthened their preparation.

Seeing God’s Hand in Their Journey

In a radio interview on DZSB 101.4 Spirit FM, Gayeta’s classmates reflected on how they saw God’s plan in their chosen course, even if psychology wasn’t their first choice.

Gwen Fajilan, now working at the San Teodoro Mayor’s Office, shared: “I wanted to be a chemist, but when psychology was suggested, I listened. The lessons I learned apply to daily life.” She highlighted the Psychometricians’ Code of Ethics, integrity, social responsibility, excellence, and evangelization as her personal guide in work and life.

James Aaron Semilla, who once considered the priesthood, said: “In Psychology, I realized I can better serve the youth by being a listening servant.” He now hopes to work in guidance and counseling.

Ysha Ante added, “Passing the board exam was purely by God’s grace. In Psychology, we learned to appreciate ourselves and understand our purpose in life.”

Forming Minds and Hearts for Service

Dean Perez expressed hope that the new board passers would return to DWCC as teachers, helping shape future generations amid the growing need for mental health professionals. “No matter how great you are, stay humble,” she said. “With God’s grace, everything is possible.”

Fr. Natoy Tampol, SVD, president of DWCC, said that as the college prepares to celebrate its 80th founding anniversary in April 2026, it remains committed to forming the mind, heart, and spirit of every student. “May this milestone open doors for greater opportunities and meaningful contributions to society,” he said. “Continue to live the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen, to witness to the Word. To God be the highest glory.”