By Krisvimar Nogra – BA COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern

Nepth Micro Apil, Rank 5 for the April 2026 Pharmacists Licensure Examination (Photo Credits: Nepth Micro Apil).

“Beyond the academic milestones, the most enduring memories are rooted in the human connections made along the way.”

The words of the April 2026 Pharmacists Licensure Examination (PhLE) Rank 5 Topnotcher Nepth Micro Apil still goes back to the people involved in his pursuit of excellence. Before the achievement of being a licensure examination topnotcher, Apil, a Centralian graduate from the College of Pharmacy spent his tenure in CPU being an ace in things he did. A student leader, a volunteer for various youth-led organizations, a role model to his fraternity brothers, the Mister CPU Republic 2023, and an awardee for the Top Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) 2025.

After four years of being a consistent Dean’s Lister in the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program of Central Philippine University, Apil acquired his undergraduate degree in June 2025 with a magna cum laude distinction, and three additional recognitions; Dr. and Mrs. Nelson Pomado Leadership Award, Most Outstanding Student in Experiential Pharmacy Practice, and Most Outstanding Pharmacy Graduate.

Shortly after graduating, “the boy who liked to dip his pandesal in Coke” confessed to pausing and taking time, before launching himself into the taxing process of reviewing for the Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PhLE) in April 2026.

“My preparation was a marathon of discipline that spanned over 250 days. Following my graduation from Central Philippine University, I allowed myself a brief period of rest to recalibrate before diving into a rigorous review cycle that lasted from July 2025 until April 2026. This wasn’t just about passive reading; I committed to studying every single day, utilizing active recall and “atomizing” complex pharmaceutical data to ensure mastery.”

Apil with fellow registered pharmacists at the Oathtaking Ceremony for New Pharmacists (Photo Credits: Nepth Micro Apil).

Amidst the pressure and the chaos of preparation, the 23-year-old topnotcher remains humble in commemorating his best memories. Reflecting on his time with fellow Centralian reviewers for the same licensure examination, he recalls the profound bonds they were able to make.

“Beyond the academic milestones, the most enduring memories are rooted in the human connections made along the way. I watched strangers, bound by the same late-night grinds and shared anxieties, transform into lifelong friends. I am especially grateful for the bond I shared with my fellow reviewers from CPU; we navigated the complexities of pharmacology and calculations as a unit, leaning on each other for motivation. This period taught me that when you are fully committed to a goal, what seem like random chances often reveal themselves as incredible opportunities.”

Making it big takes a village. Nepth, as the grounded individual that he is, extends his gratitude to his support system that sustained him in the demanding review season and powered him through to garner 93.50% rating.

“I carry a deep sense of gratitude for the people who stood by me during this intensive chapter. To my teachers at the CPU College of Pharmacy: thank you for providing the foundation and the high standards that pushed me to excel. To my family, who offered strength while I balanced my studies with responsibilities at home, and to my friends and fellow CPU Centralians—your belief in me was my anchor. Most importantly, I offer my thanks to God for the endurance and clarity provided throughout this journey.”

Before bolstering himself to yet another major undertaking, Apil aims to take another period, but now to “give back” and inspire other future pharmates. The man who wears multiple hats, plans to now take on that of a mentor.

“Passing the boards and ranking 5th has opened several meaningful doors. Currently, I am eager to give back to the profession by working in the academe, where I can help shape the next generation of pharmacists through teaching and mentorship. However, the door to [Medical] School remains a compelling path forward. Whichever road I take, I plan to carry the same discipline and philosophical outlook that guided me through the PhLE.”

Apil is one of the two Ilonggo topnotchers for the April 2026 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PhLE) that is administered twice a year. CPU achieved 46.67% overall passing percentage in the April 2026 PhLE, producing fourteen (14) registered pharmacists. The April 2026 Pharmacist Board Exam took place in Vista Mall Iloilo for Iloilo City on April 18-19, 2026.