MANILA, Philippines – At just 23 years old, Yunnichi Miguel A. Sasaki of Cabanatuan City achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the Top 2 spot in the February 2026 Respiratory Therapists Licensure Examination (LERT).
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| Photo courtesy: Yunnichi Sasaki/Facebook |
A graduate of Good Samaritan Colleges–Cabanatuan City with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Sasaki finished his academic journey as a Cum Laude, carrying both excellence and resilience into the board exams.
In his exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Yunnichi said he is currently preparing for the next chapter of his career.
He reflects on the journey that led him to this achievement—one marked by sacrifice, discipline, and an unwavering faith in God.
For Yunnichi, Respiratory Therapy was never a random choice. His ultimate dream has always been to become a doctor, specifically a pulmonologist. Choosing Respiratory Therapy as his pre-med course was a strategic and heartfelt decision. He wanted his future specialization to be deeply connected to his academic foundation.
The program equipped him with extensive knowledge in pulmonary care and prepared him not only academically, but emotionally for the bigger responsibility that comes with pursuing medicine.
Behind his academic medals lies a story of sacrifice. Raised by a single mother, Yunnichi faced financial constraints throughout college. There were moments when tuition payments became uncertain, and promissory notes were necessary just to continue his education.
Maintaining his scholarship was not optional—it was essential. As an awardee, he needed to consistently perform well to receive tuition discounts that helped ease their financial burden. To further support himself, he worked part-time as a waiter, sacrificing precious study and review time.
“It was never easy,” he shared. “But those hardships became my motivation to persevere and push forward.”
Unlike others who rely on elaborate review techniques, Yunnichi emphasizes simplicity and mastery of fundamentals.
He followed a strict study schedule while still making time to relax with friends. He reread materials up to five times before moving to a new topic and focused on deeply analyzing multiple-choice questions to understand exactly what was being asked.
His key principles:
- Never forget the basics
- Fully understand the question
- Avoid overanalyzing or underanalyzing
- Stay consistent
He admits his approach was not extraordinary. What made the difference was consistency and a strong grasp of core concepts.
The review period was far from ideal. Yunnichi had to adjust to a new environment that was cramped, noisy, and not always conducive to healthy living. Isolation also took a toll on his mental health, as he spent days with minimal interaction.
Adding to the weight was the pressure of expectations. As a Cum Laude graduate, many expected him to top the board exam. The actual examination itself was challenging, with questions that felt different from what they had prepared for.
“The first day didn’t go smoothly at all,” he admitted. “It was one of the worst starts of my life.”
Yet, instead of giving in to panic, he reminded himself of his ultimate goal and pushed through until the last item.
When the results were released, Yunnichi was with a friend, trying to destress by playing games while waiting. Before they could even start, calls from their loved ones came pouring in.
The news was overwhelming—they both passed, and Sasaki ranked Top 2.
“It was unreal,” he recalled. “We cried and shouted together.”
His first instinct was to call his loved ones, who were far away, to share the achievement. Hearing their joy made the moment even more meaningful. Passing the exam was already a blessing; becoming a topnotcher made it unforgettable.
What’s Next?
Yunnichi plans to take the NMAT and eventually enter medical school to pursue his dream of becoming a pulmonologist. However, he also wants to gain practical experience first, possibly working as a respiratory therapist or exploring related fields such as ECG technology or sleep technology.
Interestingly, he has also discovered a passion for teaching. He hopes to mentor future board takers and guide them toward success, giving back to the community that shaped him.
His advice to aspiring respiratory therapists and board examinees is straightforward:
“Never lose sight of the basics. Understand what each question is asking. Don’t overanalyze or underanalyze. Trust your preparation.”
He emphasizes that the journey will involve sacrifices, pressure, and doubt. But with discipline, resilience, faith in God, and belief in oneself, success is attainable.
“Passing the board exam, even becoming a topnotcher, isn’t about being perfect,” Yunnichi said. “It’s about consistency and believing in yourself. If I can do it, so can you.”
Congratulations, Yunnichi!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express