From a curious geology student to the country's 2026 top environmental planner, Teodorico Mariano Collano, Jr.'s journey reflects the power of education, purpose, and service in shaping a future dedicated to people and the environment.
For many, topping a national licensure examination represents the culmination of years of hard work and academic excellence. For Teodorico Mariano Collano, Jr., however, the achievement carries a deeper meaningโone that extends far beyond personal recognition.
The Partido State University (ParSU) Bachelor of Science in Geology alumnus from the Class of 2018 recently ranked 1st in the May 2026 Environmental Planners Computer-Based Licensure Examination, earning an outstanding rating of 90.35 percent. While the distinction marks a significant personal and professional milestone, Collano sees it as part of a larger mission: advancing sustainable development, promoting community well-being, and helping build a future where both people and the environment can thrive.
Planting the Seeds
Long before he became one of the country's top environmental planners, Collano was a curious student determined to understand the forces that shape the world around him. At ParSU, he discovered a learning environment that challenged him to think critically, engage with communities, and develop the character needed to navigate complex real-world issues.
"My time at ParSU taught me patience, forbearance, tolerance, critical thinking, and many more skills, traits, and abilities that launched me to success in my attempt to enter the environmental planning profession," he shared.
ย For Collano, these lessons proved just as important as technical knowledge. Environmental planning, he explained, requires more than scientific expertise. It demands the ability to balance environmental sustainability, public welfare, and long-term development while working with diverse communities and stakeholders.
ย "These traits are necessary because environmental planning is interdisciplinary, policy-determining, and emotionally taxing since it deals mainly with people and how they live with society," he added.
ย At ParSU, education extended beyond lectures and textbooks. Through fieldwork, research engagements, and community-based learning experiences, Collano gained a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness between natural systems and human livesโan understanding that would later become central to his profession.
ย Every field activity and academic engagement reinforced a valuable lesson: that environmental challenges cannot be understood solely through science. They must also be viewed through the lens of communities, livelihoods, and human experiences.
ย These experiences broadened his perspective and strengthened his commitment to using knowledge in the service of society.
ย Environmental planning is often associated with land-use maps, policies, and technical reports. For Collano, however, it begins with understanding the Earth itself and the people whose lives depend on it.
ย That perspective was cultivated during his years as a geology student.
"My education and training at ParSU prepared me for environmental planning with the knowledge and skills imparted to me by my former mentors on how the Earth moves, how the planet's dynamism shapes lives and ecosystems, and how living and non-living things interact with each other," he recalled.
ย Guided by dedicated faculty mentors and immersed in field-based learning, he learned to connect scientific concepts with their practical implications. His studies exposed him to disciplines that would later become vital to his work as an environmental planner, including geographic information systems, climate science, disaster risk reduction, and environmental management.
ย "At ParSU, I had the first opportunity to learn formally and deeply about mapping, geographic information systems, climate science, disasters, environmental pollution, and many more environmental concepts." These experiences not only strengthened his technical foundation but also deepened his commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Growing Through Serviceย
After graduating from ParSU in 2018, Collano began his professional career as an Instructor I in the BS Geology Program at ParSU. He then embarked on a professional journey that would further sharpen his understanding of planning and governance. His work in local government, particularly in the planning and development sector of the Local Government Unit of Presentacion beginning in 2021, provided him with firsthand experience in addressing community needs through evidence-based decision-making.
Working closely with local communities and development initiatives allowed him to see how sound planning can directly influence quality of life, environmental protection, and long-term resilience. The experience also revealed the growing importance of environmental planning in building sustainable communities.
ย Recognizing the need to further develop his expertise, he pursued Environmental Planning studies at the University of the Philippines Open University, building on the knowledge, values, and perspectives he had first acquired at ParSU.
ย "I viewed environmental planning as the logical path for career progression in local government, especially in planning. More importantly, it aligns with my desire to protect the environment and ensure the equitable sharing of resources among people and other living things," he explained.
Yet beyond career advancement, his motivation remained deeply rooted in service.
ย By combining his background in geology with environmental planning, Collano contributes to addressing pressing concerns such as land-use management, disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, and sustainable development.
"Our love for the environment should never dwindle. That is why I pursued entering a profession that mainly seeks to protect the environment and to share equitably resources among people and other living things," he said.
ย His journey reflects a value that Partido State University continually seeks to instill in its students: the belief that education should not only produce competent professionals but also responsible citizens committed to serving communities and protecting the environment.
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Reaching New Heights
ย Years of study, public service, and professional growth eventually culminated in a historic achievement.
ย When the results of the May 2026 Environmental Planners Computer-Based Licensure Examination were released, Collano emerged as the country's top examinee. For him, however,ย the accomplishment signifies more than academic excellence.
ย "As a human being, it means that I did something extraordinary, something that can make me proud for the rest of my life," he reflected. "As a professional, this success grants me moral and intellectual ascendancy in helping lead environmental planners in changing our communities and our country for the better, developing systems that respond to pressing societal and environmental issues, and preserving balance among ecosystems so that sustainable development may be achieved for present and future generations."
ย Beyond the title and recognition, Collano considers the achievement a shared success with the people and institutions that helped shape his journey. "I am now convinced that it made countless people proud, particularly those who matter to me the most."
ย His achievement reflects not only years of personal dedication but also the collective influence of mentors, colleagues, family members, and educational institutions that supported him every step of the way.
As he reflects on this milestone, Collano hopes his story will inspire future generations of ParSU students to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in service, integrity, and environmental responsibility.
ย "I hope my achievement will inspire future generations of ParSU students to strive to make the best version of themselves, to harness their untapped potentials, to seek nicer things in life, to serve other people no matter who they may be, to empower the powerless, and to defend the environment from harm."
ย To students who are still discovering their paths, he offers a simple yet powerful reminder:
"Continue dreaming and never surrender in finding ways for your dreams to come to fruition. Building robust support systems must be non-negotiable."
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Bearing Fruit
ย Today, as the nation's top environmental planner for 2026, Teodorico Mariano Collano, Jr. stands as a testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and the transformative power of education.
ย For every student walking the halls of ParSU today, his journey serves as a reminder that excellence is built one lesson, one challenge, and one opportunity at a time and that the foundations laid within the University can open doors to extraordinary possibilities.
ย More importantly, his success demonstrates that true achievement is measured not only by ranks and recognition but by the impact one creates in the service of communities, the environment, and future generations.
