BS Pharmacy alum Royce Arjan Java Fantillian’s Rank 1 finish crowns a landmark sweep for the Augustinian university, a victory built on personal discipline, devoted faculty, and a community whose identity is rooted in faith and service.
The University of San Agustin (USA) has cemented its standing as the Philippines’ premier institution for pharmaceutical education, claiming the title of number one top-performing pharmacy school in the 2026 Pharmacists Licensure Examination. Leading this institutional triumph is Royce Arjan Java Fantillian, who emerged as the national Rank 1 topnotcher which is a milestone that reflects years of deliberate preparation, rigorous faculty mentorship, and an unwavering Augustinian commitment to excellence.
At the heart of Royce’s success was a deeply personal and modern strategy. Acknowledging his vulnerability to social media distractions at home, he chose to study in local cafes, where the “company spirit” of fellow students kept him anchored and focused. Rather than rote memorization, he leaned on AI tools to break down complex pharmaceutical concepts into digestible terms. Most tellingly, he championed consistency over intensity, that is, rejecting generic online study hacks in favor of a method tuned to his own intellectual rhythm. “It’s not about the length and the intensity of the study,” he said. “It’s about the consistency.”
Behind Royce stands an institution that has engineered its systems for exactly this outcome. Dr. James Torres, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, under the supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Regina Aileen May Vergara, attributes the University’s top ranking to a four-part formula: rigorous academic training, strong faculty mentorship, a supportive environment, and student discipline. Dean Torres added that the academic senate meets weekly and monthly to cascade best practices across departments — a living culture of continuous improvement .
Mr. Eric Blancaflor, Academic Supervisor of the Pharmacy Program, highlights that the milestone was achieved through a combination of consistency in education, dedication to the students, and providing a strong foundation, particularly because pharmacy is one of the most challenging health courses. He also credits the collective support of both the faculty and the university administration in securing the top-performing school spot and the rank 1 for Mr. Fantillan.
Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, VP for Augustinian Formation and Mission, shared that the university is also investing in faculty development, research facilities, and hospital partnerships to sustain this standard well into the future.
Yet the truest measure of this achievement is spiritual. Rooted in Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas (Truth, Unity, and Charity) the University of San Agustin forms not just competent pharmacists, but professionals of integrity and compassion. He further reminded the community, excellence is ultimately an offering. With Royce now eyeing a future in medicine or the academe, the university’s message endures: what you become is your gift to God — and to the nation.
From L-R: Mr. Royce Fantillan, Mrs. Analyn Fantillan, Mr. Royce Arjan Java Fantillan, Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, Dr. James Torres, and Mr. Eric Blancaflor
From L-R: Mr. Eric Blancaflor, Academic Supervisor, Pharmacy Program, Mr. Royce Arjan Java Fantillan, Top1 in the 2026 Pharmacy Licensure Exam, Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, University President, Dr. James Torres, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technoloy
The Pharmacy Program shares the joys and the challenges during the press conference held on April 23, 2026 at the 4th Flr. of the Fray Luis De Leon Learning Commons to the members of the different media partners.
The Augustinian community with the support of the media partners.