ENGR. JOHN LESTER P. GALIT

TOP 9, NOVEMBER 2025

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY - ALANGILAN

Every achievement begins with a dream - but turning that dream into reality requires discipline, self-awareness, and an unwavering belief in one’s purpose. For Engr. John Lester P. Galit, who placed Top 9 in the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination, the journey was not just about mastering formulas or memorizing codes. It was about knowing himself deeply - his limits, his strengths, and the mindset he needed to carry all the way to the finish line.

A proud BS Civil Engineering major in Structural Engineering graduate from Batangas State University – Alangilan, John Lester’s story is one built on quiet determination and a genuine desire to make the people he loves proud.

Early Preparation: Where the Journey Began

Unlike many who start reviewing right after graduation, John Lester’s preparations began earlier—February, during their comprehensive exams in school.
He started compiling reviewers, solving sets, and reacquainting himself with the basics of CE subjects. This early habit of consistency helped him assess his strengths and weaknesses and guided him in choosing the right review center—something he proudly calls “the RIght choice.”

Dreaming Big, Fueled by Purpose

When asked what pushed him to aim high, his answer was simple yet profound:

“To make everyone proud - including myself.”

Believing in the trust others placed in him became his driving force. Every page solved, every topic reviewed, and every sacrifice made was anchored on the thought that he should always honor the confidence people had in his abilities.

Study Habits that Built a Topnotcher

John Lester’s review routine was rigorous - sometimes over 12 hours per day during the peak of review classes. His days started before sunrise, browsing lessons he previously studied, followed by a full class schedule from 8 AM to noon.

Afternoons were spent resting and then diving back into problem sets and materials provided by the review center. But he was also mindful: after September, when exams were delayed, he adjusted to a healthier routine limited to no more than 8 hours per day, focusing on sustainability rather than pure grind.

He also timed himself religiously when answering sets, training his pacing for the board exam.

His most effective techniques included:

• Focusing on review center materials

• Completing daily sets

• Weekly consolidation of refresher materials

• Repeatedly answering past boards and CE reference sets

• Revisiting college notes during weekends

And when it came to difficult subjects—especially PSAD—he went the extra mile:
watching recorded lectures, YouTube tutorials, and discussing with friends until concepts became clearer.

Challenges That Tested His Resolve

For John Lester, the biggest blow during his review journey was the postponement of the exams. Like many takers, he felt frustrated and worn out—his momentum disrupted and his plans compressed by changing schedules.

Low assessment scores also challenged his confidence. But instead of allowing fear to consume him, he used these as indicators of where to improve.

“I didn’t dwell much into it… I took it as an advantage to study harder.”

Strength Through Community, Friendship, and Faith

Behind his achievement lies a powerful support system.
His family provided him the privilege to focus entirely on reviewing.
His friends kept him sane during intense months—through jokes, conversations, and even short gaming breaks that made pressure more bearable.

And above all, he anchored his journey in faith.

“I offered it to Him. I asked for guidance every day… and stayed grateful for every new knowledge.”

Wisdom for Future Civil Engineers

John Lester believes that preparation begins with knowing oneself. His top three tips reflect this philosophy:

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Allocate effort wisely—without compromising what you already know.

2. Know your learning style.

He is a visual learner, so diagrams, written notes, and figures helped concepts stick faster.

3. Be honest with yourself.

Acknowledge your limits. Seek help when you don’t understand a topic.
“Walang masamang magtanong.”

If he could talk to his “reviewing self” a year ago, he would say:

“Thank you for staying committed. You did so well.”

A Mindset Anchored in Integrity

For aspiring engineers, he leaves this powerful reminder:

“Continue dreaming big. Do not betray yourself by abandoning your full potential.”

Challenges will come—pressure, setbacks, frustration—but he emphasizes remembering why and for whom you started. And above all:

“Pray, always.”

A Final Message to the Future of the Profession

In true leadership fashion, Engr. John Lester ends with a call to uplift the field:

“Sama-sama nating iangat nang may integridad at katapatan ang dignidad ng propesyong ito.”

A reminder that beyond the numbers and solutions, the heart of civil engineering lies in integrity, humility, and service.

Personal Journey

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

Hello! I am John Lester P. Galit, a BS Civil Engineering Major in Structural Engineering graduate from Batangas State University-Alangilan.

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

Actually, around February nagstart na ako magcompile ng reviewers at magsagot in prep for our compre sa school. Dito na ako onti-onti nag-aral ng mga lessons, which helped me recall and understand the basics ng CE courses. Then in-assess ko lang din ang sarili ko during compre para pumili kung aling review center ang pinakamakakatulong sa akin para sa preparation ko sa board, and I really made the RIght choice!

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

Ang naging drive ko lang talaga to dream as big as this achievement is to make everyone proud, including myself. Sobrang daming nagtitiwala sa kakayanan ko kaya I feel like I should always be inspired to do and perform well.

Study Habits and Strategies

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

During review classes, gumigising ako nang madaling-araw para makapag-browse pa ng mga previous lessons tapos from 8 am to 12 nn may klase na ulit. Pagkakauwi naman galing classes, maglalunch at magpapahinga muna, then sagot lang ulit ng mga problem sets; during that time umaabot ata ako nang more than 12 hrs per day na I feel like napaka-unhealthy at mas mabilis maka-pressure. Ganiyan ang naging routine ko until September. Then, noong na-delay ang exams, at sa bahay and online na lang nagrereview, nagsasagot ako ng mga materials nang ‘di lalagpas ng 8 hrs per day. Naging habit ko rin na orasan ang sarili ko sa pagsasagot para alam at gamay ko paano i-maximize ang alloted time sa board exams.

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

Nung nagstart na ang review sa review center, nagfocus lang ako sa pagsasagot mga binibigay nilang materials. Tinatry kong tapusin ‘yung sets na binibigay per day kasi weekdays ang klase ko, then during weekends madalas pahinga pero minsan binabrowse ko lang mga notes ko noong college. Noong refresher naman na, iniipon ko weekly ‘yung mga sets para ‘yon ang sasagutan ko during weekends. Every uwi galing klase, doon ako nagsasagot ng mga past boards at CE Reference sets. Inulit-ulit ko lang lahat ng mga ‘yon noong na-delay ang exams kaya naging helpful siya para sa akin.

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

PSAD subjects talaga ang weakness ko since college kaya I put extra effort talaga para pag-aralan ‘to. Nagtetake ako ng extra measures para maintindihan ‘yung topics like manood ng recorded vids, yt lectures, o makipagtanungan sa mga kaibigan.

Mindset and Challenges

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

Biggest setback ko during the review season siguro ay noong na-delay ang exams, lahat naman siguro. I feel like sobrang na-frustrate ako na na-extend siya kasi sobrang na-compress ang time st sched sa review since originally ay pinaaga pa ‘yung sched than usual. 

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

I surrounded myself with the best people, the best support system. Sa family ko na binigyan ako ng privilege na maka-focus nang husto sa review at sa constant reminders nila na kayang-kaya ko. Ang laking factor din ng mga kaibigan ko na nakasama ko sa dorm para hindi sobrang ma-burnout sa pagrereview. Mga simpleng asaran, kalokohan, at paglalaro ng online games ang nagiging madalas na takas namin sa mga times na napepressure kami, and it worked so well sa akin na hindi sobrang isipin ang stress at pagod. And, may mga kaibigan din ako na madalas mangumusta at nagmomotivate, ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin to succeed ay malaking factor din kung bakit tuloy tuloy akong i-push ang sarili ko to be better. And lastly, I offered it to Him. Humihingi lang ako sa Kanya palagi ng guidance para magkadrive to pursue what I really desire, and be grateful everyday sa mga bagong knowledge na natututunan ko.

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

Getting low scores sa assessments siguro ang nagpepressure sa akin minsan na baka hindi pa sapat ang efforts ko. Pero hindi ako nagdwell much into it; instead, tinake ko siya as an advantage para mag-aral pa nang husto.

Advice to Future Takers

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

Ang maishe-share ko sigurong tips para sa mga future takers ay about knowing themselves.

First, know your strengths and weaknesses. Sobrang naging helpful sa akin na malaman kung aling subjects ang dapat mas paglaanan ko ng more effort pero syempre hindi dapat macocompromise ‘yung mga alam mo na.
Know the right learning style that suits you. Visual style talaga ang nagpadali sa akin para makagets agad ng lessons. Mas mabilis ko agad natutunan kapag may figures at kapag isinusulat ko agad.  

Be honest to yourself. Part of knowing yourself is accepting that you have your limits, hindi mo kaya na i-absorb agad-agad lahat ng lessons. Although it is advised na you should deal on your own in studying lectures, I find it helpful na during times na hindi ko talaga agad maiintindihan ang certain topics, nagkakaroon kami ng collaborative discussion with my friends. Walang masamang magtanong at magpaturo lalo na kapag sobrang dami na ng time na nacoconsume nito sa'yo. 

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

Thank you for staying committed sa goal mo. You did so well and I hope you are as proud as I am of what we've achieved.

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

Continue dreaming big! Do not betray yourself by abandoning your full potential. Maraming setbacks at challenges na mararanasan mo while preparing para sa board exam pero huwag na huwag mong hahayaan na matalo ka nito. It's ok na ma-frustrate sometimes pero tandaan mo palagi kung bakit at para kanino mo ito ginagawa. Pray, always!

4. Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?

Sama-sama nating iangat nang may integridad at katapatan ang dignidad ng propesyong ito!