Mindanao nursing graduates dominate 2026 licensure exam top rankings

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Eighteen nursing graduates from Mindanao ranked among the highest performers in the August 2026 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on September 19.

The topnotchers hailed from eight nursing schools distributed across three major cities: Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. The concentration of high-ranking examinees reflects the robust nursing education infrastructure established across Mindanao's urban centers.

The results represent a significant achievement for Mindanao's nursing education sector, which has been expanding enrollment and improving academic standards in recent years. The performance of graduates from multiple institutions suggests that quality nursing education has become increasingly accessible across the region.

The PNLE, administered twice annually by the PRC, evaluates nursing competency and serves as the gateway credential for professional practice in the Philippines. The examination covers areas including medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health nursing, psychiatric and community health nursing, and nursing leadership and management.

The success of Mindanao-based nursing graduates in the August 2026 examination adds to the region's track record of producing qualified healthcare professionals. The results are expected to bolster employment opportunities for nurses in both local and international healthcare markets.