MANILA, Philippines – A 23-year-old graduate from Cagayan State University has brought pride to his school after placing second rank in the February 2026 Respiratory Therapists Licensure Examination (ResTLE).
 |
| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Dinver Jay Devolgado Pedrosa |
Dinver Jay Devolgado Pedrosa, a native of Cauayan City, completed his Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy with academic distinction.
Throughout his academic journey, he demonstrated excellence not only in the classroom but also in research and clinical training.
Pedrosa received the “Best Research Paper (Student Category)” during the 2025 National Convention of the Association of Respiratory Care Practitioners Philippines, Inc.
He was also recognized as a three-time Best Intern awardee during his clinical rotations at Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Pedrosa shared that Respiratory Therapy was not originally his first choice in college.
His initial plan was to pursue BS Medical Laboratory Science, but he later decided to take a different path. Looking back, he believes the change was a form of divine redirection that eventually led him to success.
His college journey, however, was far from easy. According to Pedrosa, studying at CSU’s College of Allied Health and Sciences followed a “survival of the fittest” system, where students faced rigorous quizzes, long examinations, and strict academic standards every semester.
Despite the pressure, he expressed gratitude for the solid academic foundation and training that shaped him into the professional he is today.
To prepare for the board examination, Pedrosa underwent a five-month comprehensive review in Manila with some of the best lecturers in respiratory therapy.
He emphasized the importance of being “overprepared,” revealing that he read more than ten textbooks while consistently practicing exam questions and mastering the basics.
During the review period, he also experienced homesickness, self-doubt, and anxiety. However, he said prayer helped him overcome these challenges and stay focused.
When he finally learned that he had passed the exam and ranked second nationwide, Pedrosa immediately called his family.
“We all cried together out of joy,” he shared.
For now, Pedrosa plans to take a short break before pursuing his next goal—entering medical school to study Doctor of Medicine.
For future board examinees, his message is simple yet powerful:
“Study and pray. Do your part and surrender everything to God. In Him, all things are possible.”
Congratulations, Dinver!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express