Dean’s Testimonial Message and Report on the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination
By Dr. Pio T. Esguerra II, Dean, FEU-NRMF School of Medicine
The FEU-NRMF School of Medicine proudly celebrates a defining milestone in its history. After several years of struggle, the school is officially back among the top-performing medical schools in the Philippines — a resurgence made possible by the remarkable achievement of the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) passers.
This batch will long be remembered as the one that rekindled the glory days of the FEU-NRMF School of Medicine.
When I assumed the Deanship in June 2025, the institution faced an alarming trend. Over eight consecutive board cycles, the PLE performance of our graduates had declined steadily, culminating in April 2025 with a 63% passing rate — the lowest in the school’s history.
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the school launched the Academic Uplift Program, a comprehensive initiative to strengthen academic preparation and board readiness. Central to this effort was the creation of the Board Review Council (BRC) — composed of Dr. Alma Dela Merced, Dr. Cherry Go-Palomar, Dr. Mari Karr Esguerra, the Dean and Vice Dean, and Alexa from the IT Department.
The BRC was tasked with reviewing courses, developing support mechanisms, and establishing the PLE Crash Course Program — a structured, high-yield review series designed to prepare students for board success.
In record time, the team assembled the Crash Course, powered by the commitment of around twenty seasoned professors. Their collective expertise and mentoring provided the foundation for what would become one of the most successful initiatives in recent years.
The October 2025 batch responded with discipline, perseverance, and purpose. They rose to the challenge, supported by prayers, motivation from mentors, and the full backing of the FEU-NRMF administration, which fully subsidized the project.
Their results exceeded all expectations.
The October 2025 PLE Results
The Physician Licensure Examination was held on October 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2025, in multiple testing centers nationwide. Out of 5,900 examinees from 82 medical schools, 4,570 passed, yielding a national passing rate of 77.4%.
For FEU-NRMF School of Medicine, the numbers tell an inspiring story:
- Total examinees: 242
- Total passers: 221
- Overall passing rate: 91.32%
Breaking this down further:
- First takers: 151 examinees, 141 passers (93.36%)
- Retakers: 91 examinees, 80 passers (87.91%)
This extraordinary performance propelled FEU-NRMF to 6th place nationwide, marking an astonishing leap from 63% in April to 91.32% in October — a rebound of nearly 30 percentage points within a single examination cycle.
The school also proudly celebrates Dra. Zairah De leon Monjardin, who ranked 5th nationwide.
Dra. Monjardin’s journey embodies the spirit of FEU-NRMF excellence. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the FEU-NRMF Medical Laboratory Science program, she topped the 2019 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination, earned her Doctor of Medicine degree Magna Cum Laude, and now adds another laurel to her name as one of the topnotchers in the 2025 PLE.
Her consistent record of achievement is an inspiring reminder of what dedication and excellence can accomplish.
A Legacy of Renewal and Pride
Behind these numbers is a story of collective effort — of students who persevered, mentors who went beyond duty, and an administration that believed in transformation.
The Academic Uplift Program and PLE Crash Course have not only restored confidence in the school’s board performance but also reenergized its culture of academic rigor and mentorship.
To our new doctors — congratulations. You have brought back honor to the School of Medicine and reaffirmed the value of the education we proudly uphold. To your families, mentors, and benefactors — our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support.
As we look ahead, the FEU-NRMF School of Medicine remains fully committed to sustaining this momentum, continually improving academic systems, and nurturing future batches who will follow your shining example.
Ad Astra per Aspera!
