A graduate of Lyceum Northwestern University-Dagupan City has been revealed as the top scorer in the March 2026 licensure examination for physicians.

When the Professional Regulation Commission released the results of the exam on April 8, it

“The results of examination with respect to five (5) examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations; and one (1) was withheld for further verification,” the commission said.

The move, while uncommon, occurs when an examinee’s result is not yet final.

On April 17, the PRC finally announced the name of the top scorer in the exam: Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso of LNU Dagupan. He and the rest of the 1,954 test takers who passed are expected to take their oath on April 27 at the Fili Hotel Nustar Ballroom in Cebu City.

Lyceum-Northwestern University is justifiably proud of its alumnus. “This exceptional accomplishment reflects outstanding excellence, dedication, and the strong foundation of medical education within the Lycean community,”

“A proud and well-deserved honor for Dr. Parchaso and for L-NU—rising above and excelling alongside leading institutions across the country.”

— BM, GMA News

Lyceum Northwestern University-Dagupan City

Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City is a private educational institution founded in 1969, originally established as a college to provide accessible higher education in the Pangasinan region. Over the decades, it has expanded its academic programs and facilities, becoming a notable center for learning and community development. The university is recognized for its contributions to local education and its role in shaping professionals in various fields.

Professional Regulation Commission

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for regulating and licensing various professions to ensure competence and ethical standards. Established in 1973 under Presidential Decree No. 223, it oversees professional examinations, registration, and the enforcement of professional codes of conduct. The PRC plays a key role in maintaining the quality of professionals such as engineers, nurses, and teachers in the country.

Fili Hotel Nustar Ballroom

The Fili Hotel Nustar Ballroom is a grand event space located within the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu, Philippines. It is part of the integrated resort’s luxury accommodations, designed to host large-scale gatherings such as weddings, conferences, and galas. The ballroom reflects the modern elegance of the Nustar complex, which opened in 2022 as a major tourism and entertainment development in the region.

Cebu City

Cebu City, located in the Philippines, is one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant cities. It was the site of the first Spanish settlement in the archipelago, established by explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, and is home to the Magellan’s Cross, a symbol of the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Today, it serves as a major cultural and economic hub, blending colonial heritage with modern urban development.

Lyceum-Northwestern University

Lyceum-Northwestern University (LNU) is a private, non-sectarian educational institution located in Dagupan City, Philippines. It was founded in 1969 through the merger of the Lyceum of Dagupan and the Northwestern College, combining their histories of providing quality education since the mid-20th century. Today, LNU is known for its comprehensive programs in the arts, sciences, and professional fields, and it plays a significant role in the educational landscape of the Ilocos Region.