NEWLY licensed psychologists, with a 100% passing rate, and psychometricians, with an 81.25% passing rate, were honored at the Bedan Psychological Society (BPS) Testimonial Dinner, held last Oct. 24 at Manny Reyes Hall, in celebration of the batch’s licensure exam success.

The program opened with a Mass presided over by Fr. Ephraim Molina, OSB at the St. Bede chapel. Followed by the event proper, with Yesha Natividad (III-BSP), Internal Vice President, and Daniel Taban (IV-BAP), External Vice President, serving as emcees.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rosario Mielmia Aquino, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (SASE), congratulated the passers and thanked them for bringing honor to San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). She urged them to consider graduate school and licensure, saying, “Psychology is a course that can lead to so many places.” 

She also reminded them that, as Bedans, their success should be used “for the service of fellowmen” and to give glory back to God.

Janelle Ricaela Ilao, a graduate of the Tertiary School Batch 2025, delivered the night's first testimonial. She recalled the uncertainty, self-doubt, and postponement of the licensure exam that the batch faced, noting that many of them had once sat in the audience at a similar event as undergraduates.

“Despite the setbacks,” Ilao said, “the batch achieved one of the highest national passing rates in the exam’s history.” She described resilience as the ability to adapt and keep moving forward despite doubt, a lesson she said will help them support others in their profession.

Martin Vince Cruz, RPsy, a graduate of the Graduate School Batch 2025, shared, "During the examination days, I am not gonna lie, but I was pretty much restless."

He shared that replaying the Bedan Hymn in his head is what kept him going. The line “For San Beda, our country and God” reminded him to take the risk and stay focused on his goal, crediting Ora et Labora—prayer and work, and the values of St. Benedict.

To close the event, Ms. Ara Buenacosa, RPsy, Faculty of the Psychology Department, called the newly licensed psychologists and psychometricians a testament to years of hard work and answered prayers. 

“Once upon a time, we were Bedan students striving; now we are finally professionals striving, proving our mantra: Ora et Labora,” she ended, thanking the people behind the scenes and praising the passers for inspiring younger students.