The Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) Program of the College of Teacher Education conducted Enhancing Test Taking Skills through a BLEPT Enhancement Seminar on April 8, 2026, at the Academic Building for its graduating students who are set to take the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) this coming September or March 2027.
The seminar aimed to equip future educators with essential knowledge, strategies, and motivation to successfully pass the licensure examination. Serving as resource speakers were distinguished alumni who ranked among the topnotchers of the BEED program.
One of the speakers, Dr. Edmar Paguirigan, Top 8 in the 2014 BLEPT, shared valuable insights on how to become a topnotcher. He emphasized the importance of setting clear goals, gathering comprehensive review materials, practicing smart study techniques, and strengthening one’s faith through prayer. He also engaged participants by providing sample questions and demonstrating effective strategies in arriving at correct answers.
The second speaker, Patrolwoman Rosabelle Ponce, Top 8 in the 2023 BLEPT, highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being during exam preparation. She provided practical advice on what to do before and during the examination, including reading questions carefully, eliminating incorrect choices, practicing time-bound answering, mastering shading techniques, and identifying “red flags” in test items.
Completing the roster of speakers was Mr. Ien Rizy Espedido, 10th placer in the 2025 BLEPT. He shared his personal journey, including the challenges he faced such as lack of focus, laziness, self-doubt, and emotional struggles. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that success is achievable through goal setting, adherence to a study schedule, minimizing distractions, and practicing discipline.
The event was further enriched by messages from the assistant deans of the college. Dr. Jenny Lou Taan, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, delivered an inspiring message on behalf of the Dean, encouraging graduating students to strive for excellence and aim to become future topnotchers. She also commended the BEED program for its continued efforts in organizing meaningful academic activities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Leilani Raquepo, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs, concluded the seminar with a powerful reminder: “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail,” urging students to prepare diligently for the upcoming licensure examination.
The BLEPT Enhancement Seminar reflects the institution’s strong commitment to producing competent, resilient, and highly qualified educators ready to meet the demands of the teaching profession.
Article by Fely de Guzman
