Nicholai Andrei Sandoval, Paula Moralejo, Precious Shien Oppus, Mary Ellen Faith Montemayor, News, PUP Campus Journalists
16,980 examinees filled the PUP Sta. Mesa campus as the second batch of the PUP College Entrance Test (PUPCET) commenced on Sunday, January 26.
Iskolar ng Bayan hopefuls flocked outside the entrance as early as 6 AM, while the roads along Teresa and Anonas streets remained closed to all types of vehicles in observation of the said examinations.
Choosing PUP In this year’s PUPCET, 118,067 aspiring scholars of PUP Sta. Mesa have registered as of January 27. Some studied for weeks or months and even flew all the way from different provinces, showing their dedication to pursuing college in Sintang Paaralan.
Angelo Castaneros, an aspiring Engineering student, shared how his relatives played a huge role in encouraging him to choose PUP. They praised the specialized expertise of the professors in every program, particularly his personal choice. Meanwhile, Jaynna Marie Gomez also expressed motivation in following her alumni mother’s footsteps to take the entrance test and hope to be an Iskolar ng Bayan, while also hoping experiencing the campus life of the University.
Meanwhile, parents and guardians conveyed their support towards the takers’ attempt to be part of the university.
University alumnus Nerissa Torrecampo and mother of applicant Nicole Grace Torrecampo stated one of the advantages of graduating in PUP, “Mataas ang tingin ng mga companies kapag graduate ka rito. More on academics kasi ang tinitignan nila.”
(Companies hold PUP graduates with high regard. They focus more on academics.)
In addition, Eds Pallomina, another alumni parent, took pride in how PUP shapes academically effective and life-smart students. It is one of the primary reasons she encouraged her daughter to pursue studying at the university.
“Nung nag-aaral na ako dito, iyong mga akala kong alam ko na ay iba pala kapag sa Manila. Matututo kang maging resilient dito (na) gusto kong matutunan niya at maging independent kapag nag-aaral na siya dito.” She shared.
(I thought I knew everything, but when I started studying in Manila back then, it turned out to be a different experience. I learned how to be resilient, a character I want her to imbibe; to be independent once she studies here.)
Hopes and Expectations For thousands of aspiring college students, PUPCET represents more than just an exam—a stepping stone toward quality and affordable education, personal growth, and brighter opportunities. For them, PUP is more than a university, it is an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and thrive in a competitive and dynamic environment.
PUPCET 2025 has currently gathered a number of 146,303 total applicants as of January 26, spanning across all campuses within the PUP system. This number is expected to increase as the applications for PUP Sta. Mesa are still open until January 31 and while the college entrance examination application for other PUP campuses is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the next two batches of PUPCET examinations are set to happen on February 16 and March 16.
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