Starting the review with her goal topping the board exam, a daughter of a San Miguel farming family did just that last week: sharing 9th place in the 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination.
In the results of the November PNLE released by the Professional Regulations Commission, Crystal Jayden
Espura Taperla earned a rating of 92.20%, courtesy of her high grades in five subjects that ranged from 90% to 95%.
A graduate of Catanduanes State University’s College of Health Sciences, the resident of barangay District I studied at San Miguel Central Elementary School, finished junior high school at San Miguel Rural Development High School and senior high school at CatSU Laboratory Schools.
“I did not graduate with honors but that became my motivation to study hard and aim to top the board exam,” Jayden told the Tribune.
“When I started my review, my only goal was to top the board exam so I made sure that I study even a little every day during my entire review season. I prepared physically, emotionally and spiritually,” she added.
The family lives modestly and earn just enough to support their needs, the 22-year-old new nurse stated, revealing thar she had to work to support her studies.
A glimpse into her social media profile indicated she ventured into private tutoring while studying for her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
“I am very thankful to Jehovah God. I always pray for Him to do His will. And this is His blessing. I am thankful to my parents Emily Espura Taperla and Diosdado Teope Taperla for not pressuring me. They love me whatever it takes. I’m thankful to my brothers and their wives. They have always been supportive,” Jayden said.
She likewise thanked the entire CatSU and CHS family, including her professors and clinical instructors, for molding her into who she is today.
Included in her expression of gratitude on social media was her second family in Magarao, Camarines Sur where she stayed while she was reviewing for the NLE at the Top Rank Academy branch in Naga City.
Asked about her future plans, Jayden said she is still thinking about it.
Based on the results, the November 2025 PNLE set a record-breaking 90.04% national passing rate, reportedly the highest ever in modern times.
A total of 40,692 out of 45,192 examinees passed, compared to the PNLE a year ago which posted a passing rate of 84.99%, while those of previous years hovered between 50% to 80%.
Among schools with 100 or more examinees and with at least 85% passing percentage, 21 schools nationwide registered 100 percent passing percentage, including the three Bicol University campuses in Legazpi City, Tabaco City and Polangui.
Another 21 schools with 50 to 99 examinees also performed well with passing percentage of 99 percent and above.
Of CatSU’s 146 first-takers, 143 passed with a passing percentage of 97.95 percent.
All four (4) repeaters passed the exam, bringing the local university’s overall passing percentage to 98 percent.
In all, a total of 268 examinees landed in the top 10 of the November 2025 PNLE, with two each tying for 1st and 2nd places three for 3rd, four for 4th.
There were 23 examinees who tied for 5th place, 20 for 6th, 25 for 7th, 49 for 8th, 74 for 9th and 66 for 10th place.