“Rome was not built in a day, and neither is passing the licensure exam,” reflected Joena Mae P. De Claro, the first-ever national topnotcher of the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) from Mindoro State University – Main Campus. She shared this insight during the recognition ceremony held on February 11, 2026, at the University Auditorium, MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.
A graduate of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, Joena ranked Top 9 nationwide in the September–November 2025 BLEPT with an impressive 92.30% rating.
The recognition program, themed “Champions of Teaching Eminence: Legacy of Excellence, Passion and Triumph,” honored the newest cohort of Licensed Professional Teachers (LPTs) from MinSU Main Campus, celebrating their achievements and the beginning of their professional journey.
More than just a "Pretty Face"
For Joena, the road to the top wasn't paved with immediate confidence. Standing before fellow LEPT passers, and the faculty who shaped her, she was remarkably candid about the "lingering echoes of doubts" that followed her through the grueling months of review.
“I had these lingering echoes of doubts, like 'paano kung di ako pumasa? What if pretty face nga lang ako?'” she teasingly shared. Contrary to expectations, becoming a topnotcher was never her primary goal - it was simply to serve.
“I actually didn’t aim to be a topnotcher; my goal was simply to pass. I told myself nga, 'kahit 75 rating lang; pumasa lang talaga ako, magiging mabuti at magaling akong guro'”.
A Victory Shared
Joena’s success is a "work of both art and heart," rooted in a deep support system. She recalled the financial hurdles of the review season, noting that she only managed to afford a review center after securing a 50% discount through a quiz bee. The remaining balance was a sacrifice shared by her siblings.
“This success wasn’t mine alone, but also that of people who are rooting for me,” she said, acknowledging her family and the mentors at the College of Teacher Education.
Although teaching was not originally her dream, her years at the University transformed her outlook. What began as a practical choice gradually evolved into a calling.
“Becoming a teacher wasn’t really my first dream. But as I immersed myself in the program, I began to see the power of this profession- how noble and transformative a teacher’s influence can be. What started as a choice eventually turned into passion,” she reflected.
A Responsibility Beyond the Title
Now a licensed professional teacher, Joena emphasized that the title represents more than a title and a personal recognition - it is a responsibility to be a "dawn" in the classroom, providing light and warmth to students in need.
“The dawn offers the exact light and warmth we need to wake up and see the world clearly,” she explained. “May we always be the dawn in someone’s dark classroom, a gentle light that dispels the darkness of confusion, and a warmth that makes them feel safe enough to grow”.
She credited her alma mater for teaching her that education is "not merely about transferring knowledge, but about touching lives".
As she looked out at the sea of current students, her message was simple: don't let the fear of being "average" stop you.
"Do it scared, do it tired, do it uncertain - but do it anyway," she encouraged. “Every effort and struggle is a brick laid on the foundation of success, and brick by brick, your Rome rises.”
She concluded her message by urging the students to persevere through uncertainty.
“Success isn’t reserved for those who never felt weak; it belongs to those who showed up even when their hands were shaking,” she urged. “Ipakita natin ang galing ng mga Minsuans. Let the world know that excellence grows in our soil”.
Through courage, humility, and perseverance, Joena Mae P. De Claro proved that doubt does not disqualify greatness. Even with trembling hands, when one keeps turning the page, history can be written - brick by brick. (jdtdc)
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