Many were impressed by the top 1 of the November 2023 Geologist Licensure Examination, Jerome Garcia Formaran, a magna cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Geology at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.
In Jerome's story to PEP, he said that even at a young age, he was already fond of watching documentaries about the world, specifically about natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons.
In his mind, he thought he would take a course related to Earth Sciences when he was still young, but when he entered college, the first course he enrolled in was BS Physics. He didn't plan to enter UP (University of the Philippines), but he passed as a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), so even though they couldn't afford his education, they took a risk.
However, Physics wasn't for him as he struggled with exams in this subject, so he decided to switch to Geology. Although he admitted that this subject was difficult, he managed to overcome it with flying colors.
“We've made it! I've made it!” he said on his Facebook post on July 30, 2023, when he graduated.
“Life never ceases to amaze me with its twists and turns! Never have I planned to study at UP, but my high school friends persuaded me to take UPCAT, and I got in. As a freshman, I only aimed to pass my classes to retain my scholarship, but I ended up graduating with flying (interference) colors. I was looking for a Meteorology course, but I commenced my UP life as a BS Physics student and eventually graduated with a degree in BS Geology.”
“Throughout this journey, I've experienced numerous uncertainties and faced a lot of crossroads. Many ‘what ifs’ and moments to call it quits, but I chose not to give up. I took the risks. And I wouldn't have made it without the support of my family, friends, classmates, teachers, mentors, and all those who believed in me. My heartfelt and sincerest gratitude goes out to each and every one of you! You are all amazing! This triumph is not only dedicated to me but also to all of you. I did my best, and I always let my work speak for itself - with HONOR and EXCELLENCE!”
He added, “Make science serve the people!✊Para sa Diyos. Para sa Bayan! 🙌.”
Thankfully, Jerome didn't encounter too many challenges when taking his board exam. He immediately participated in the review sessions offered by his course organization at UP. Aside from this, he also made sure to unwind by watching teleseryes, exercising, and playing games.
When it came to actually taking the board exam, Jerome admitted that he felt drowsy because he allegedly hadn't slept the previous night due to extreme nervousness. He felt somewhat confident that he performed well on the first two days of the exam.
However, he was surprised on the third day because the questions he had reviewed didn't appear. He said he just held onto context clues and made educated guesses. It reached the point where everyone would just pray to pass. He did manage to pass, but he said it was the lowest of the three days. Surprisingly, he emerged as the topnotcher after receiving a rating of 84.70.
Jerome allegedly didn't dream of becoming a topnotcher. Currently, he is affiliated with the Energy Development Corporation as a Technical Portfolio Engineer for Geothermal well drilling.
On November 30, 2023, he met with Mayor Rodencio S. Gonzales of Mexico, Pampanga, who personally congratulated him. He also received a cash incentive of 100,000 pesos.
“The Municipal Government of Mexico, Pampanga would like to extend its felicitation and greetings to Mr. Jerome Garcia Formaran and his family for the pride he has given our town. Luid ka at tune nakang pagmaragul ning Balen Mexico!” it can be read.
On December 12, 2023, he posted, “Officially a Licensed Professional Geologist!! ⛏🪨👷♂️”
“It's also a humbling experience and a great honor to address everyone on behalf of all newly licensed geologists.”
“Mabuhay ang mga bagong geologo ng bayan! Padayon 🌻”
Congrats, Jerome!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Jerome Formaran |
In Jerome's story to PEP, he said that even at a young age, he was already fond of watching documentaries about the world, specifically about natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons.
In his mind, he thought he would take a course related to Earth Sciences when he was still young, but when he entered college, the first course he enrolled in was BS Physics. He didn't plan to enter UP (University of the Philippines), but he passed as a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), so even though they couldn't afford his education, they took a risk.
However, Physics wasn't for him as he struggled with exams in this subject, so he decided to switch to Geology. Although he admitted that this subject was difficult, he managed to overcome it with flying colors.
“We've made it! I've made it!” he said on his Facebook post on July 30, 2023, when he graduated.
“Life never ceases to amaze me with its twists and turns! Never have I planned to study at UP, but my high school friends persuaded me to take UPCAT, and I got in. As a freshman, I only aimed to pass my classes to retain my scholarship, but I ended up graduating with flying (interference) colors. I was looking for a Meteorology course, but I commenced my UP life as a BS Physics student and eventually graduated with a degree in BS Geology.”
“Throughout this journey, I've experienced numerous uncertainties and faced a lot of crossroads. Many ‘what ifs’ and moments to call it quits, but I chose not to give up. I took the risks. And I wouldn't have made it without the support of my family, friends, classmates, teachers, mentors, and all those who believed in me. My heartfelt and sincerest gratitude goes out to each and every one of you! You are all amazing! This triumph is not only dedicated to me but also to all of you. I did my best, and I always let my work speak for itself - with HONOR and EXCELLENCE!”
He added, “Make science serve the people!✊Para sa Diyos. Para sa Bayan! 🙌.”
Thankfully, Jerome didn't encounter too many challenges when taking his board exam. He immediately participated in the review sessions offered by his course organization at UP. Aside from this, he also made sure to unwind by watching teleseryes, exercising, and playing games.
When it came to actually taking the board exam, Jerome admitted that he felt drowsy because he allegedly hadn't slept the previous night due to extreme nervousness. He felt somewhat confident that he performed well on the first two days of the exam.
However, he was surprised on the third day because the questions he had reviewed didn't appear. He said he just held onto context clues and made educated guesses. It reached the point where everyone would just pray to pass. He did manage to pass, but he said it was the lowest of the three days. Surprisingly, he emerged as the topnotcher after receiving a rating of 84.70.
Jerome allegedly didn't dream of becoming a topnotcher. Currently, he is affiliated with the Energy Development Corporation as a Technical Portfolio Engineer for Geothermal well drilling.
On November 30, 2023, he met with Mayor Rodencio S. Gonzales of Mexico, Pampanga, who personally congratulated him. He also received a cash incentive of 100,000 pesos.
“The Municipal Government of Mexico, Pampanga would like to extend its felicitation and greetings to Mr. Jerome Garcia Formaran and his family for the pride he has given our town. Luid ka at tune nakang pagmaragul ning Balen Mexico!” it can be read.
On December 12, 2023, he posted, “Officially a Licensed Professional Geologist!! ⛏🪨👷♂️”
“It's also a humbling experience and a great honor to address everyone on behalf of all newly licensed geologists.”
“Mabuhay ang mga bagong geologo ng bayan! Padayon 🌻”
Congrats, Jerome!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
