BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

Aliyah, a Medical Technology student, is set to graduate in a year.

Although she hails from La Union, she chose to study in Baguio City.

Because she plans to graduate here, she also decided to review and take her licensure examination in the city.

Her review period is expected to last about six months.

“There aren’t many review centers back home, so people usually come up here. The review academies here are also excellent,” said Aliyah Rivera, a student.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission Cordillera (PRC-CAR), over 40% of students from lowland provinces come to Baguio to review and take their licensure examinations.

Virginia Martin, Chief Professional Regulation Officer, Licensure and Registration Division–PRC CAR, mentioned, “The increase in applicants may be attributed to those retaking the exam who feel they might get lucky in Baguio. Another contributing factor is the availability of exam slots.”

“What we often hear from them is that review centers are here, so they do their reviews here. Some even come from as far as Baler. They also like the weather here, which is better compared to the lowlands,” Mailyn R. Ugali, Supervising Professional Regulations Officer, Application Section–PRC CAR, added.

Review centers and the quality of testing sites are also a big draw for examinees.

According to Jason Avellano, Area Manager, Top Rank Review Center, “Baguio is the catch basin for Northern Luzon. They feel more comfortable here, as the exams are conducted here as well. Plus, the weather is ideal.”

“Here at Hotel Supreme Events Center, we are fully prepared and equipped to help them achieve their dreams,” Jeff Ng, Owner of the Hotel Supreme, mentioned.

The PRC-Cordillera admits that the growing number of examinees in Baguio City has contributed to heavier traffic.

As a result, they have coordinated with the local government to address the situation.

Juanita Domogen, Regional Director of the Professional Regulatory Commission–CAR, stated, “Actually, we write to the City Government of Baguio informing them about upcoming examinations. We also coordinate with the police here in Baguio and in La Trinidad. They secure our test questionnaires and manage the traffic. Indeed, we contribute to the heavy traffic here in Baguio City, but it also boosts our tourism.”

This year, over 36,000 students took various licensure examinations in Baguio City.

This figure represents approximately 38% of all examinees nationwide who chose the city as their testing site.