Walking Through Doubt, Rising with Integrity: The Story of Engr. Dale Iverson Lacastre, Top 7 of the November 2021 CELE
When the November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam came, Engr. Dale Iverson N. Lacastre carried with him not just knowledge, but years of perseverance and faith. Despite moments of self-doubt, like walking from Mendiola to Tondo I, after a tough Math exam—he rose above the pressure and secured 7th Place nationwide. A graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Engr. Dale admits he chose Civil Engineering because his friends did. But with encouragement from mentors and a guiding quote from his Dean—“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star”—he learned to set his sights higher.
ENGR. DALE IVERSON N. LACASTRE
7th Place, November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Project Development Specialist – Renewable Energy
Currently pursuing Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering at De La Salle University
When the November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam came, Engr. Dale Iverson N. Lacastre carried with him not just knowledge, but years of perseverance and faith. Despite moments of self-doubt, like walking from Mendiola to Tondo I, after a tough Math exam—he rose above the pressure and secured 7th Place nationwide.
A graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Engr. Dale admits he chose Civil Engineering because his friends did. But with encouragement from mentors and a guiding quote from his Dean—“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star”—he learned to set his sights higher.
The pandemic tested his discipline as exams were postponed, but he adapted by simulating real board exam conditions, tracking his scores, and resting strategically before the big day. For him, success was not about brilliance, but discipline, resilience, and integrity.
Today, Dale works as a Project Development Specialist in Renewable Energy while pursuing his Master’s in Civil Engineering at De La Salle University. His advice to future engineers: enjoy the process, create an environment that helps you learn, and give your best so you can move forward with confidence.
“Being a civil engineer is more than just a title,” he says. “It’s about having the integrity and responsibility to help build the nation.”
Personal Journey
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you studied?
Dale Iverson N. Lacastre, 26, Registered Civil Engineer and Master Plumber. Graduated last June 2020 with a degree BSCE in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros, Manila.
When did you start preparing for the board exams?
I started reviewing around July 2020 until around March 2021. PRC postponed both November 2020 and May 2021 due to pandemic. Worked as Site Engineer from May – Sep 2021. Resigned on Sep 2021 to finally take November 2021 CE Board Exam.
What motivated you to pursue civil engineering and to aim for the top?
I decided to take civil engineering because all of my friends are taking the same course. I basically just followed them because I had really no idea what to take hehe. Aiming for top 10 is something I realized during the later years in college where most of the people around me believed that I can. These include my friends and professors. Our Dean mentioned a memorable quote in one of the talks: "Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star” so I aimed to study for the top 10, so even if I miss, I’d still be getting my license.
Study Habits and Strategies
1. How did you structure your review (daily routine, schedule, or approach)?
During July 2020 – March 2021, I just followed the sched of the review center. It was difficult because of the uncertainty brought by pandemic plus I am reviewing by myself at home – I always imagined to be reviewing with my friends outside but we all had different timing.
One thing I can remember during Sep 2021, less than 2 months before the Nov 2021 – I quit my job then started to simulate real board exam every day. I’d take past board exams with same number of items with the upcoming board - Math from 8:00 am – 12:00 nn, then HGE from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Then the next day, take STE 8:00 am – 12 nn. Rest on the third day then repeat cycle. I tracked my scores using excel, flagged the questions I got wrong then reviewed the principle again. One week before the exam, complete rest, went to three churches to ask for guidance – Baclaran Church on Wednesday; Quiapo Church on Friday; Tondo Church on Sunday.
What review materials or techniques worked best for you?
I have index cards, which I prefer since I can take it everywhere. Past board exam books by besa and gille really helped. The simulation of real board exam is one technique I’d recommend – for training your mind, body clock, and energy once you face the real thing.
How did you handle subjects or topics you found difficult?
I got to a point where I just memorized the question and answer (this is for Probability) because I found the subject really difficult. One thing I also learned is that you cannot study for every little thing – you have to make space for those questions you can confidently answer and then let go some questions. I’d come to realize that the worst thing I can do is to be frustrated with the things that I don’t know which could negatively affect my performance.
Mindset and Challenges
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your review journey?
The uncertainty brought by the pandemic, cultivating the discipline to review from home, and the pressure. I was the first Cum Laude in our department since 2004 and the amount of expectations and pressure was crushing.
2. How did you stay motivated and focused despite burnout, pressure, or self-doubt?
I just kept going and staying true to my core – I always try to enjoy the journey rather than live in the unknown future. To me, enjoying the process and giving your best during this process is already a win; you do not ever lose, you are just learning.
Did you ever experience setbacks or low points? How did you bounce back?
I walked back to the house from the exam center on the first day. For context, that is from Mendiola to Tondo I. This is because my mind had already told me that I failed due to Math subject. I knew I had to process it before taking the exam tomorrow because I cannot take that STE subject without the confidence, I knew I had in me. So I walked to process it, ate dinner and went to sleep.
I am not the greatest in academics during college, I’d consider myself a hard worker rather than naturally gifted and/or intelligent. I am rarely sent to compete for quiz bees or academic competitions. I had other gifts (I enjoyed leading people, joining organizations, being creative, public speaking etc.) – this is what kept me going back in college and this is what kept me going during the board exam. I had to remind myself that I am going to be fine no matter what.
Advice to Future Takers
What are your top 3 review tips for future board exam takers?
a. Be one with the process of becoming a civil engineer. Enjoy the time and be present during your review days.
b. Create an environment that is conducive to your learning.
c. Do your best, and be honest with yourself that you have given everything that you have to make it happen. If you have this absolution within you, you’ll always have the confidence to move forward whatever may happen after the exam.
If you could talk to your “reviewing self” a year ago, what would you say?
Keep at it and always remember that I am proud of more than the results but the hard work that you put in regardless of the uncertainties
What mindset should future engineers have as they prepare for the board exam?
Claim it and believe that you being an engineer is just a matter of time – it is more a question of “when” than “if”, and the answer is up to you.
Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?
More than the title itself, being a civil engineer right now especially in the Philippines, calls for more than knowing the technicalities. It is now about embodying a character that the title deserves. Everyone can be great at something, but not everyone can have the integrity to bear the name - I hope that the responsibilities to help build the nation inspire you more than the title itself. Trust me, it’s what will keep you going!