South Philippine Adventist College’s Nietes Tops LET

December 21, 2022 • in Story of Hope

Out of 91,468 elementary level examinees throughout the country, Jtrose Vchia Vasquez Nietes of South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) of Matanao, Davao del Sur, landed in Rank 10 among the 49,783 passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), held last October 2022.

With several others having a rating of 92.60 and ranked 10 in the tough national qualifying examination, Nietes thanked God immensely for the blessing of wisdom and faith on her journey to become a licensed teacher.

As a denominational scholar of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, being a daughter of both faculty members of SPAC, the institution which molded her since childhood, she saw how the institution transformed learners into successful workers in different fields.

She confidently took the challenging examination and revealed that “whatever I specifically asked in prayer, God answered.

Nietes recognizes by heart that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and “that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him– those who are called according to His purpose.” (Prov. 9:10; Rom. 8:28)

Despite all her doubts and deficiencies, one of the pleas she prayed for in detail was to “help me to make it to the top so that the name of my school would be made known to men.” Thus, she proved that God listens, answers, and blesses.

She was an active singing member of the Southern Ambassadors while serving the College Student Government as Vice President for Social Affairs. As a trained writer, she served Collage, the college newsletter, as Editor-in-chief; and was chosen as associate editor-in-chief and editor–in–chief of Eikon, the school yearbook, in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Also willing to be a part of God’s media ministry, she volunteered for AWR HopeRadio Davao del Sur from 2015 to 2018. As a dynamic leader of Datu Kialeg Master Guide Club, even during her review days for LET, she helped the church in training the youth and Pathfinders, resulting in successful investitures and leadership training.

Her secret to success is serving others. After her LET review classes, she initiated online tutorials for her classmates and friends who could not afford reviewers and review center fees. What she learned during the day, she freely gave to others.

“By learning, you will teach; by teaching, you will understand,” an old proverb fits her spirit of volunteerism and selflessness.

The driving force behind her beautiful fate is her father, Gideon, who hailed from Kipulot, Quezon, Bukidnon, with her mother, Solbuena of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, who both left their hometown to follow their calling at SPAC.

In addition, her motivator, her brother Pastor Jeguien Jeon “Kuya Jeong” Nietes, is now shepherding Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur District, once dedicated his service as a missionary in a foreign land for three years, which fuels her desire to become a missionary in a field where God will lead her.

Her family, mentors and friends gave her a mindset to make it to the top because of her potential. Still, instead she asked God for mental strength and capabilities for the series of tests, most of all, spiritual and emotional preparations for whatever results. She only claimed the promise in Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it shall be given you,” God gave the nod to all of their sincere clamors. (DM Communication)