Aina Ashliah Karon Esmail, a magna cum laude graduate of Cotabato City's Notre Dame University (NDU), ranks eighth (8th) nationwide in the August 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE), with an average rating of 90.80 percent. (Photo courtesy of Esmail)
Introduction
Behind every achievement is a journey shaped by hard work, sleepless nights, prayers, determination, and the courage to keep pursuing a dream.
For Aina Ashliah Karon Esmail, a 22-year-old Bangsamoro, becoming a registered nurse is not only about academic excellence; it is also about overcoming challenges, honoring her family's sacrifices, and using this as an opportunity to build a future that can inspire and serve others.
Esmail, a magna cum laude graduate of Cotabato City's Notre Dame University (NDU), ranked eighth (8th) nationwide in the August 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE), earning an impressive rating of 90.80 percent.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 28,652 of 37,359 examinees — a passing rate of 76.69 percent — passed the PNLE, as announced on Sept. 18, 2026.
The journey
From a Bangsamoro Government scholar to one of the Philippines' top nursing board passers, Esmail considers this achievement more than a personal milestone.
“It is always about doing what you can for your family, for others, and for yourself. I believe in qadr (fate). Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala has given me the ability and opportunity to make a difference, and I have no plans to waste them,” she said.
Her journey to becoming a topnotcher was not without challenges. Nursing school required her to balance demanding academic requirements with rigorous clinical duties in hospitals and communities.
“I dedicated most of my time to intensive studying, often switching between nursing and medicine. I even studied during breaks whenever I had clinical duties,” she shared.
During clinical duty weeks, she made it a habit to study before reporting for her shifts. She also learned to manage her time and recognize the importance of rest, exercise, and hobbies in maintaining her focus and well-being.
“I managed to balance both the academic and clinical aspects of nursing school by understanding my time and abilities and managing them properly,” she said.
Consistency and perseverance is the key
Esmail was among the scholars of the Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education (BASE) program of the Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
The program is among the flagship initiatives that provide financial assistance and educational support to deserving Bangsamoro students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and other priority degree programs.
BASE scholars receive P8,000 in monthly financial assistance throughout their college studies, helping them with their educational expenses and lessening their families' financial responsibilities.
The topnotcher shared that the financial assistance provided her with more freedom in her undergraduate education.
“I never had to ask my parents for money whenever we had to pay for our clinical duties in different hospitals, communities, and lying-in clinics,” she continued.
She further said that the stipend covered essential academic and clinical expenses, among others.
“My school uniforms, clinical paraphernalia, nursing books, and miscellaneous and clinical area fees were mostly paid for with the money I received from the BASE scholarship,” she added.
MOST Minister Baileng Simpal Mantawil emphasized that the scholarship programs are not merely cash aid but also an investment in the future of the Bangsamoro people.
“This scholarship is more than financial assistance or a path toward a degree; it is an investment in the knowledge, skills, character, and potential of young Bangsamoro who can help create solutions for our communities,” said Mantawil.
Having overcome the challenges of nursing school, Esmail hopes her journey will inspire other students, particularly those facing financial difficulties and academic challenges.
“Do not be afraid to ask others for help. Be consistent with putting in the work. Pray and do not let the hurdles you face overwhelm you or stop you from reaching your goals and utmost potential,” she said.
From a scholar to becoming a licensed professional, Esmail has a journey that stands as an example of how opportunity, perseverance, and a commitment to service can create a brighter future.
(Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
Category: HER Story \u2022 By Bangsamoro Information Office \u2022 October 12, 2026 \u2022 Author: Bangsamoro Information Office