Historic Achievement: K-12 Graduates Set New Benchmark in Architect Licensure Exams
As the inaugural cohort of the K-12 program entered official testing centers, national attention focused on the examinees of this year's first Architects Licensure Examinations. These individuals, often informally called the "potentials" during their college years, benefited from additional academic training before university, designed to enhance their conceptual understanding and lifelong learning skills. When the results of the January 2026 Architect Licensure Examinations (ALE) were announced, the initial perceptions of this new curriculum's effectiveness were vividly confirmed. For the first time in ALE history, the passing rate soared to an impressive 82 percent, marking a significant milestone in Philippine educational reform.
Cebu's Top Performers: Celebrating Excellence at University of San Carlos
In Cebu, two architecture graduates from the University of San Carlos distinguished themselves by securing positions among the top 10 highest scorers nationwide. Johann Lance Nalo achieved 7th place, while Raia Jillian Alcantara claimed 9th place. Furthermore, first-time takers from the same institution accomplished a remarkable 100 percent passing rate, underscoring the university's commitment to academic excellence and student preparation.
Lance Nalo's Journey: From Traffic Jam to Triumph
"It was surreal, overwhelming and unforgettable," reveals Lance, who received the news while driving home and stuck in traffic. "What made it more emotional was that it happened before my parents' wedding anniversary and my dad visited my mom's grave then. We cried tears of joy together." Describing himself as "naning" (hard-working) in a healthy and reasonable manner, Lance initially aimed to top the exams, inspired by family achievements, including his brother's 7th-place finish in the 2015 medical technologists board exams. However, as his review progressed, he adjusted his expectations, focusing on passing as his primary goal, with topping the exams as a potential bonus. He emphasized that becoming a licensed architect represented the ultimate victory.
Lance attributes his success to three key factors:
- Prior experience with the Master Plumbers Licensure Exam last year, which familiarized him with the exam environment.
- Preparation alongside a supportive circle of study buddies, fostering collaboration and motivation.
- A hybrid review setup that enabled him to maintain engagement, discipline, and consistency in his studies.
Combined with the study discipline cultivated since his student days and his apprenticeship at a renowned architectural firm, these elements made exam items feel familiar and easier to recall.
Raia Alcantara's Path: Embracing Creativity and Technical Mastery
Raia chose to remain at home on results day, steadying her emotions in anticipation of the ALE announcement. When the list of passers was released, she was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. "Passing alone is already more than enough," she said. Minutes later, messages from friends revealed her 9th-place ranking, transforming her relief into ecstatic joy shared with her mother.
Her journey into architecture began in 2018, driven by an inclination toward creative work. However, her perspective evolved during her first year as a student. "Architecture proved to be much more than the creative aspect of designing buildings. It required us to explore and be considerate about the technical and scientific sides of design," Raia explained. She credits her success to being surrounded by talented classmates and trained by competent mentors at school.
Operating in "sponge mode" throughout her student and internship years, Raia remained open to learning and re-learning concepts she thought she already knew. This mindset, coupled with making informed decisions, proved crucial during the exams.
Overcoming Challenges: Motivation and Strategy in Exam Preparation
For both topnotchers, the path to success was not without obstacles. They faced motivational struggles while balancing apprenticeships and exam reviews. Lance found his real motivation in a promise made to his mother before her passing last year: to become an architect. Raia embraced self-compassion, guided by the realization that "done is better than perfect." She rooted her strategy in psychology, applying John Amaechi's "FEE Model" (Focus, Effort, and Execution), which emphasizes mastering concepts through small, consistent acts.
Looking Ahead: Professional Growth and Continuous Learning
Following their oath-taking ceremonies, Lance and Raia look forward to making their mark as licensed architects, after a well-deserved celebratory break. They remain open to gaining hands-on experience in various architectural firms, recognizing that a professional license is not the end of learning but a stepping stone to further growth. Their prolonged academic training and diversified practical experience have sharpened their potential as design professionals, demonstrating the value of the K-12 program in fostering skilled and resilient architects for the Philippines.
