SAN ANDRES, CATANDUANES — The island province is celebrating a historic milestone as Kym Lyan S. Terrago, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), officially ranked Top 4 nationwide in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) at the Secondary Level.
Terrago achieved an extraordinary rating of 94.20%, shattering records as the first-ever English major from CatSU’s College of Education to break into the national Topnotchers list.
Born in San Pascual, Batangas, and moving to Catanduanes in 2008, Kym Lyan has been a beacon of academic brilliance since her youth. The middle child and only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terrago, her path to the top was paved with consistent effort:
- Elementary: Consistent Honor Student at Catagbacan Elementary School.
- High School: Academic standout at San Andres Vocational School (SAVS).
- College: Consistent Dean’s Lister and Magna Cum Laude graduate of CatSU (BSEd English, Class of 2025).
According to her brother, Jake S. Terrago (popularly known as DJ Jacky of Radyo Peryodiko), the family is overwhelmed with emotion. He shared that their father, “Pay Inggo,” was moved to tears upon hearing the news of his daughter’s national ranking. “Her proud parents are really elated by the blessings God has given to their family.”
The victory has sparked a wave of pride across the municipality of San Andres. The LGU hailed her as a “Calolbonganon Pride,” noting that her success resonates deeply with the entire community.
Former Governor Buboy Cua and former Vice Governor Peter C. Cua also extended their congratulations, with the former governor noting the immense joy the news brought to Kym’s father.
“You make Catanduanes so proud! Congratulations to Kym and to the proud family,” said former Governor Cua.
The University’s leadership expressed that Terrago’s success is a reflection of their “commitment to academic excellence.” Vice President for Academic Affairs Kristian Aldea highlighted that CatSU significantly outperformed the national averages:
| Program | CatSU Passing Rate (First Takers) | National Passing Rate |
| BEEd | 94.44% | 51.04% |
| BSEd | 87.23% | 72.62% |
CatSU President Gemma G. Acedo joined the College of Education in celebrating not just the topnotcher, but the high volume of new licensed educators the institution has produced this year.
The achievement has set a high bar for the next generation. Lester Tulang Templonuevo, a student leader at CatSU, quipped, “The pressure is now pressuring,” acknowledging the inspiration Kym Lyan has provided for the upcoming batches of education students. | via Francis Benedict | BicolTeleRadyoPeryodiko
