World · Philippines Bureau
Ilocos Sur nursing graduate tops national licensure exam
Dianne Tacazon Tolentino, a magna cum laude graduate from Ilocos Sur, has achieved top honors in the August-September 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination, fulfilling a long-held professional aspiration.
LSN Philippines ·
VIGAN CITY — Dianne Tacazon Tolentino emerged as the top performer in the August-September 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE), marking a significant milestone in her nursing career.
The achievement represents the culmination of years of academic dedication for the Ilocos Sur native, who graduated magna cum laude from her nursing program. Her exceptional performance on the national licensure exam underscores the quality of nursing education in the region and brings recognition to her home province.
Tolentino's success in the PNLE qualifies her to practice as a registered nurse in the Philippines. The examination, administered jointly by the Professional Regulation Commission and the Board of Nursing, is a critical step for aspiring nurses seeking to enter the healthcare profession in the country.
The top board performance is expected to open professional opportunities for Tolentino in both local and international healthcare settings, as Philippine-trained nurses remain in demand globally.