Habal-habal driver’s son from Danao tops Criminology exam

Local

ALL roads for a young man from Danao City, Jervie Keith Marikit, son of a habal-habal driver, led to one destination: becoming a topnotcher in the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE).

Marikit, a graduate of Colegio de San Antonio de Padua in Danao City, placed second in the August 2025 CLE with a rating of 92.35 percent.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that 25,410 aspirants took the exam, and 13,074 passed, representing 51.45 percent of all examinees.

On Tuesday, September 16, Marikit received a P100,000 award from the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC), personally handed over by its founder, Dr. Carl E. Balita.

His father, who drives a habal-habal to provide for the family, stood proudly beside him, witnessing his son’s national recognition.

“When I knew the results, I felt disbelief because who would know that I was ranked number two. I felt like I wanted to cry but there were no tears in my eyes because I did not know what to feel,” Marikit said.

“I only prayed to God that I hope I will pass… but God gave a bonus that I became national topnotcher number two," he added.

Marikit shared that he has always dreamed of becoming a registered criminologist, a goal shared by his family who inspired him throughout his studies.

He recalled graduating as valedictorian in elementary school and with honors in junior high.

Although senior high school challenged him due to peer influence, he rebounded and graduated college as Cum Laude.

He added that he only aspired to become a topnotcher after joining the review center, where prior topnotchers served as faculty and motivated him to aim higher.

Balita praised the determination of Cebuano students, noting that while many excel academically, few initially aspire to become topnotchers.

He said the review center’s most important lesson is the power of their dreams, reinforced by lecturers who themselves achieved top ranks in past examinations.(MyTVCebu)