Seventeen graduates of Class 2017 of the B.S. Chemistry program of the University of San Carlos passed the Chemist Licensure Examination (CLE) held last October 10-11, 2017 in Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

There were 19 first-time takers of the CLE, earning USC an 89.5% passing rate, significantly higher than the national passing of 55.35% for first-time examinees; including repeaters, only 526 (44%) passed the national examinations.

In the inaugural Chemical Technician Licensure Examination (CTLE) held on October 12, 2017, six USC chemical engineering graduates made it to the top 10, as all 20 examinees from USC hurdled the CTLE.

The CTLE topnotchers are Mark Ervin Ancot (3rd place), Joyce Marian A. Belonguel and Chad M. Igot (joint 4th), Ruby Mae S. Mosot (5th), Cladette EJ C. Martinez (7th), and Marjon T. Navida (9th).

Chemists, chemical engineers, and pharmacists, as well as graduates from other allied fields, can qualify for the Chemical Technician examinations.

The new chemists are Cromwell D. Abbas, Julia Lourdette B. Arias, Krizella Rhea T. Batulan, Patrice Camille P. Borja, Mae Ann A. Derecho, Raugene Mark Dulap, Julie-Ann G. Entoma, Shaira L. Gabrillo, Diane Mae F. Infante, Lydel Meliccha M. Jugalbot, Janelle C. Lauron, Janken E. Nebres, Jason Karl K. Pepito, Jon David C. Suico, AJ Kenneth P. Sumagang, Irish D. Vasquez, and Michel Wayne D. Ybañez.

Two CLE examinees, Arian Grace Maluya and Klinney Anne E. Ybañez, also qualified as Chemical Technicians by virtue of passing two examinations.

Nationwide, there were a total of 1,195 examinees for the CLE and 845 for the CTLE. Chemists and chemical technicians are vital to the manufacturing industries in the country, as underscored by the Chemistry Profession Act of 2015 (R.A. 10657).

The USC Department of Chemistry is a CHED Center of Development, while the Department of Chemical Engineering is a CHED Center of Excellence and enjoys PTC-ACBET accreditation.

by Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D. (USC Press)

Tags: Alumni