Despite sleepless nights spent balancing work and review, Jonalyn Maestrado Dalanon carried on until her name topped the October 2025 Fisheries Professional Licensure Examination, driven by quiet strength and silent sacrifice.
A graduate of Cebu Technological University (CTU) Carmen Campus, Dalanon sparks progress for the institution and the fisheries sector through her story of perseverance.
The news came as a shock to the topnotcher, who admitted, “I was in disbelief, yet at the same time, elated. I couldn’t believe it because I truly thought it was impossible to achieve the top rank.”
Originally from Barangay Cawayan Interior, Masbate City, Dalanon carries her roots with pride. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program and was a scholar of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Encouraged by those closest to her, she maintained her purpose with calm and clarity throughout her exam preparation.
“I am blessed with the best people who serve as my strong support system; their presence truly made my review journey smoother and more bearable,” Dalanon shared.
Juggling work responsibilities and exam preparation tested her resilience to the fullest. Yet, despite mentally exhausting weekends and the toll of sleepless nights, she stood firm.
Dalanon recalled how her time at CTU Carmen nurtured her interest in fisheries, saying, “With the expertise and dedication of CTU Carmen’s faculty and staff, as with the maximization of all the resources the institution has, I was able to fully comprehend the essence and significance of the fisheries degree.”
“They guided me to understand that dedicating oneself to the field of fisheries is, in essence, contributing to the sustenance and well-being of millions of lives,” she added.
When asked about her next professional steps and how she hopes to contribute to the fisheries sector in the Philippines, she answered, “I aspire to become one of the leading experts in the field of aquaculture.”
With this goal in mind, Dalanon aims to deepen her expertise and refine her skills within the discipline. She is confident that continuous learning and commitment will enable her to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s pursuit of food sufficiency.
Coming from a rural community herself, she hopes her story encourages others to pursue fisheries, a field often overlooked but vital to environmental balance, food security, and community livelihoods.
Jonalyn Dalanon’s journey reflects a driven mindset and purpose, the value of education, and the quiet strength of perseverance. Her success speaks to what unfolds when effort is rooted in purpose, fueled by hard work, and carried with heart.