LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte commended the outstanding achievement of the Top 1 passer of the March 2023 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

In an unnumbered resolution, the board congratulated Dr. Aira Cassandra Castro for besting other universities in the recent board examination for medical doctors.

During the board's regular session, Castro was accompanied by executives from MMSU and College of Medicine (COM), and the team from Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) led by Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza.

Meanwhile, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc personally congratulated Castro during a courtesy call at his office. The meeting was also an opportunity to celebrate the success of a young medical professional who serves as an inspiration among students on excellence and passion.

The PLE topnotcher was also the provincial government of Ilocos Norte’s scholar under the Doctor of Medicine Scholarship Program.

The said scholarship was an initiative of Manotoc which aims to provide Ilokano doctors who will ensure the delivery of healthcare services in the province, particularly in the far-flung areas.

Despite receiving opportunities from various health institutions and academe in the country, Castro affirmed her decision to teach at the MMSU-COM to repay MMSU and the provincial government for the scholarship she has availed during her time in medical school. Later, she will work at MMMHMC.

“I want to teach at the MMSU College of Medicine to train the younger generation of Ilocano doctors,” said Castro.

Aside from Castro, the provincial board has also handed an unnumbered resolution to the MMSU-COM for its feat as Rank 2 in the Top Performing Schools in March 2023 PLE. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)