Teodorico Mariano Collano Jr., a graduate of the University of the Philippines Open University’s Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program, topped the May 2026 Environmental Planner Computer-Based Licensure Examination with a rating of 90.35%.
Teodorico Mariano Collano Jr., a graduate of the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program, ranks 1st in the May 2026 Environmental Planner Licensure Examination.
Harvey Eva Advincula placed 8th with a rating of 87.70% while Real Lynd Armonia Andena secured 10th place with 87.60%.
DLUP graduates Harvey Eva Advincula (left) and Real Lynd Armonia Andena (right) placed 8th and 10th, respectively, in the last Environmental Planner Licensure Examination.
The University of the Philippines Open University ranked first with a 100% passing rate, alongside the University of the Philippines Diliman and the University of the Philippines Visayas-Ioilo. All 79 examinees from UPOU passed the examination.
Collano shared his reaction upon hearing the news: “Upon opening my phone, I smiled, laughed, and cheered, though in disbelief, as I thought it might just be a prank. I was taken aback by the flood of messages in my social media inboxes, filled with congratulatory messages from friends, family, and even strangers.”
Collano currently serves as a Statistician II at the Municipal Planning and Development Office in Presentacion, Camarines Sur. He received his DLUP degree in 2025 after completing the Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management in 2021.
He noted, “UPOU helped me grasp the fundamental and advanced concepts in environmental planning and environmental management, which proved to be indispensable in passing the Environmental Planning Licensure Examination.”
Collano added that his training went beyond the intricacies of environmental planning: “It also enhanced my self-discipline, dedication, critical thinking, environmental concern, and social awareness, which proved to be equally important in passing the licensure examination.”
He also highlighted the urban planning workshop, which involved initiating planning processes, conducting planning workshops, and working with teammates. “In essence, studying at UPOU granted me versatility—both to learn independently and collaboratively—which is a key requirement among environmental planners.”
For those interested in pursuing the DLUP program, Collano emphasized the importance of perseverance and support. “They should not hesitate to pursue their dreams, for these dreams fuel our desire to better ourselves, our families, and our country. Nonetheless, they must be prepared to endure challenges in their studies. Building robust and reliable support systems is definitely non-negotiable.”
Written by Primo Garcia | Visual layout by Marinela Hernandez
