BAGUIO CITY (Feb. 15) -- The University of the Cordilleras topped the February 2008 national licensure examinations for Sanitary Engineering, the Professional Regulatory Commission revealed this week.

Engr. Timothy G. Nasdoman of Banaue, Ifugao, ranked first among all examinees nationwide.

Two other UC students landed in the Top Ten, placing 7th and 9th in the examinations administered by the Board of Sanitary Engineering in Manila.

Engr. Simbert Ao-wat of Tanudan, Kalinga placed 7th, while Engr. Mark Alfred Mungcal of Limay, Bataan placed 9th in the licensure test.

The University\'s three board topnotchers share the limelight with the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, which landed seven placers in the Top Ten.

While the national passing rate for the examinations was 35.55 percent, UC posted an 80 percent passing rate this year.

College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Alec Mapalo said the University\'s achievement in the board exams is in keeping with the continuing legacy of Sanitary Engineering programs to produce topnotch graduates.

It may be recalled that UC\'s department of Sanitary Engineering was awarded as a Center of Development by the Commission on Higher Education in 2000 because of its consistent top performance in board examinations, first-rate facilities, and competent faculty members.

In 2005, UC was recognized by the PRC as the No. 1 school in the country in terms of passing rate in Sanitary Engineering.

The Technological Institute of the Philippines and Mapua University placed second and third, respectively, in that citation.

In September last year, two UC students also landed in the Top Ten of the Sanitary Engineering board exams.

Engr. Aldrien Columbino Dulay and Engr. Kathleen Chaoangan Padnga-ran garnered the third and tenth places, respectively.

In that examinations, Mapua posted a similar percentage with UC in terms of passing rate.