ENGR. IRAH ANGELLIE B. DOROY

8TH Place, April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination

Bohol Island State University (BISU)

Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center Instructor

PICE-ACES BISU MC and Bohol Student Chapter President (2023-2024)

DOST Scholar

Chief Girl Scout Medalist

From a young girl fascinated by numbers to becoming a Top 8 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam passer in April 2025, Engr. Irah Angellie B. Doroy has always embraced challenges with faith and determination. A proud graduate of Bohol Island State University – Main Campus, she now teaches at Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center while continuing to inspire fellow aspiring engineers.

Her passion for Civil Engineering was influenced by her father, also an engineer, and strengthened through leadership roles as PICE-ACES BISU MC President and PICE Bohol Student Chapter President. For Engr. Irah, the dream of topping the board seemed far-fetched until she saw BISU alumni make history as topnotchers, proving to her that the impossible could be achieved.

Preparing for the exam, she built her foundation through a mix of disciplined routines, comprehensive review materials, and extra research whenever concepts proved difficult. Yet, beyond academics, what sustained her were faith, family, and purpose. A simple photo of her family taped to her wall with the words, “To whom are you doing this for?” reminded her to push forward despite burnout and setbacks.

Her top advice to future board takers is clear: learn the basics, master through practice, and strengthen recall through teaching and repetition. More than skill, however, she emphasizes the importance of mindset—anchored on faith, resilience, and discipline.

“Throughout this journey, always carry with you a strong heart, strong mind, and strong faith,” she shares. “Entrust your dreams to the Lord, embrace the process, and put purpose in everything you do—for your family, your future, and for God’s greater glory.”

With her story, Engr. Doroy reminds every aspiring engineer that success is not just about brilliance, but about courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

Personal Journey

 1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you studied?

Hello! I’m Irah Angellie B. Doroy, 23, a Registered Civil Engineer and Safety Officer II from Poblacion, Danao, Bohol. My fascination with numbers and mathematics began in elementary school and was molded through active participation in math competitions such as MTAP. This passion led me to pursue Civil Engineering, where I graduated from Bohol Island State University – Main Campus.

Currently, I teach engineering subjects at Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center, where I apply and share the mathematical concepts and theories I’ve enjoyed. Beyond numbers, I’ve been actively involved in student organizations—leading encampments, performing with a dance troupe, and serving as President of the PICE ACES BISU MC Student Chapter and the Bohol Chapter. I love collaborating with diverse group of people to bring out fresh ideas and create meaningful initiatives.

2. When did you start preparing for the board exams?

I started around September 2024 by scanning my notes from college and reading the books I had on hand. Through a scholarship granted for serving as PICE ACES Student Chapter President and as a Quiz Bowl participant, I was also able to enroll in online review programs which allowed me to build a solid foundation and gradually prepare for both the review proper (face-to-face) and the CELE itself.

3. What motivated you to pursue civil engineering and to aim for the top?

My huge interest with numbers, mathematical theories, and their real-world applications motivated me to pursue civil engineering, a field that transforms abstract concepts into structures like buildings and bridges. I was also greatly inspired by my father, who is also a civil engineer. Growing up, I watched him and his team manage projects. Because of him, I gained early exposure to the profession and developed an appreciation for the entire process, from designing and planning to managing diverse teams during project execution.

When I entered college, becoming a board exam topnotcher never crossed my mind, it felt impossible because I didn’t know anyone who had achieved it, so the idea seemed far out of reach. One day, we were in third year college, when the results of the MELE went out. I asked my best friend, now my boyfriend and a fellow topnotcher, “Do you think it’s possible for us to dream of being on the topnotchers list even if we don’t personally know anyone who’s done it?” That simple question planted a seed of possibility in my mind.

Just two months later, the CELE results came out, a topnotcher emerged from BISU for the first time, Engr. Peligrino, a senior I personally knew. That moment felt like God was answering my quiet question, showing me that it was possible. The following year, another BISU graduate, Engr. Timbal, also topped the CELE. Their achievements became my inspiration to believe that we, too, could aim for the top.

Study Habits and Strategies

1. How did you structure your review (daily routine, schedule, or approach)?

My typical daily routine followed a simple flow. (1) Early morning is for reading terms and scanning formulas, (2) Morning to midday is for attending or watching review classes, (3) Afternoon is for solving additional practice problems, (4) Evening is for exploring other topics I am interested to or catch up on any backlogs. I don’t have specific start and end time but this is how I distribute the tasks in a day.

2. What review materials or techniques worked best for you?

Among all the resources I had, the ones I relied on the most were the GERTC materials and their books, from CE reference books, Engineering Mathematics, Hydraulics, Geotechnical Engineering, Strength of Materials, and Design. These were highly informative and comprehensive. I also found the materials from Art of CE particularly helpful; their handouts were complete and easy to follow.

3. How did you handle subjects or topics you found difficult?

For topics I found challenging, I made sure to do extra research to deepen my understanding. I often searched for YouTube videos for further illustration and explanation of a certain concept. If I still needed more clarity, I would ask my reviewmates or mentors. This combination of self-study and seeking help allowed me to grasp difficult topics more effectively.

Mindset and Challenges

1. What were the biggest challenges you faced during your review journey?

Personally, to be honest, I think one of the biggest challenges I faced, aside from adjusting in a new environment and adopting a comprehensive schedule, was carrying the responsibility of being our CE batch president even after graduation. No one really asked me to do so, not even my batchmates, perhaps, I felt like it came with the role. To foster collaboration, it was a culture in BISU CE for us graduates to be altogether during the review. We processed our enrollment as a group and made sure we had a place to stay. Around 50 of us lived in the same building, which was challenging to coordinate but rewarding. I’m grateful for the chance to bring everyone together and strengthen our bond during that season.

2. How did you stay motivated and focused despite burnout, pressure, or self-doubt?

A combination of faith, support, and purpose kept me motivated throughout my licensure exam journey despite the burnout and self-doubts. First and foremost, it was God’s grace that sustained me. Then, my family was also a constant source of motivation. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I looked at a photo of them taped to my wall with the words, “To whom are you doing this for?” That simple reminder gave me the push to keep going. I also had these motivational books I read during my break times, the “Know Your Limits and Ignore Them” by John Mason and “One Minute with God” by Hope Lyda.

3. Did you ever experience setbacks or low points? How did you bounce back?

Yes, definitely. During the December break, our review was put on hold for about two weeks. Although there were a few online classes, the momentum we had built in Cebu was disrupted. When I returned in January, I faced a lot of backlogs and a tight schedule, making it difficult to catch up. My performance dropped compared to before the break. Fortunately, I gradually bounced back by prioritizing recent lessons over backlogs and staying calm. Our mentors reminded us that past topics would be covered again during the refresher, so focusing on current sessions helped me regain my rhythm and get back on track.

Advice to Future Takers

1.      What are your top 3 review tips for future board exam takers?

In particular, I have these three consistent review tips.

(1) Learn the Basics: Derive the formulas and visualize or illustrate the concept if applicable

(2) Master through Practice: Strengthen your understanding through application of the concepts, particularly solving a lot of problems.

(3) Active Recall: Recap from time to time the lessons you’ve learned, be it by scanning formulas, reading or writing them over and over again so it becomes a muscle memory. Aside from that, you may teach others if you can, for concepts to better stick to your mind.

2. If you could talk to your “reviewing self” a year ago, what would you say?

I would definitely tell her that, “Trust in yourself, that dream is possible, you can and you’ll do it with strength and grace.”

3. What mindset should future engineers have as they prepare for the board exam?

Our main weapon for this battle would really be a strong mindset anchored in faith, discipline, and resilience. This journey will have its ups and downs, and it’s important to stay resilient through both. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a result of consistent effort, faith, and belief in yourself, even when things get tough. Also, observe that we feel the most urge to overcome things when we feel that we are being challenged. So, the next time you’re struggling, shift your perspective, don’t say “It’s hard”, tell yourself, “It’s challenging”.

4. Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?

Throughout this journey, always carry with you a strong heart, strong mind, and strong faith. Remind yourself that you are fully capable of this dream, and worthy of that license. Earning a civil engineering degree is already proof of your strength and potential to achieve even greater things. Entrust your dreams to the Lord and embrace the journey as His calling for you. Above all, put purpose in everything that you do, whether it’s for your family, your future, or for God’s greater glory. Stay rooted in that purpose, no matter how tough the journey gets.