"Makagrad lang, unya work puhon": How a Modest Dream Turned into the Top Spot in the September 2026 CELE
When the results for the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) rolled out, one name stood at the very peak of the nation’s roster: Engr. Jude Bernard V. Miñoza—TOP 1. For many looking from the outside, achieving the highest score nationwide, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cebu Institute of Technology - University (CIT-U), and collecting dozens of quiz bowl trophies seems like the story of an untouchable genius. But behind the title of Topnotcher lies a deeply human journey marked by quiet doubts, unforeseen personal hardships, and an unshakeable faith. For every aspiring engineer staring down the mountain of board exam review, Engr. Jude’s story is a powerful reminder: you don't need a perfect start to achieve extraordinary finish lines.
“Back then, my dream was much simpler: makagrad lang, unya work puhon. That was enough for me.”
When the results for the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) rolled out, one name stood at the very peak of the nation’s roster: Engr. Jude Bernard V. Miñoza—TOP 1.
For many looking from the outside, achieving the highest score nationwide, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cebu Institute of Technology - University (CIT-U), and collecting dozens of quiz bowl trophies seems like the story of an untouchable genius. But behind the title of Topnotcher lies a deeply human journey marked by quiet doubts, unforeseen personal hardships, and an unshakeable faith.
For every aspiring engineer staring down the mountain of board exam review, Engr. Jude’s story is a powerful reminder: you don't need a perfect start to achieve extraordinary finish lines.
1. Big dreams start with simple steps
When Jude first stepped into engineering school, achieving a top spot nationwide wasn't even on his radar. He didn't set out with grand declarations of becoming a topnotcher or a Summa Cum Laude; his initial goal was as straightforward as it gets—pass his subjects, graduate, and find a job to support his family.
2. Overcoming life’s structural pressure
Jude’s journey was far from smooth sailing. While maintaining top-tier academic performance, he had to navigate real-world hardships—from a fire incident and moving homes, to health difficulties, financial pressures, tutoring jobs, and sleepless nights.
Engineering teaches us that structures are tested under heavy stress and loads. Similarly, the pressure before the board exam isn't meant to break you—it's revealing the resilience you've built all along. Jude showed that grit, combined with showing up every day despite life's curveballs, is what truly builds a champion.
3. The strength of a support system
While Jude was a powerhouse in math and structural analysis, he openly emphasizes one essential truth: “I didn't do it all alone.”
From his parents working tirelessly day and night, to his siblings who waited eagerly for his results while he slept, to senior mentors who helped him navigate self-doubt and strategic exam decisions—his victory belongs to a community.
4. Trusting the timing and taking the leap
Interestingly, Engr. Jude originally planned to take the board exam in March. It was through the encouragement of a senior that he shifted his timeline to September—a decision that ultimately led to achieving the top spot.
Often, board exam takers get caught up in self-doubt, thinking, "Naa ra guroy mas makalamang pa nako ani" (There's probably someone better than me). Jude felt the exact same way. But what set him apart wasn't the absence of doubt; it was choosing to prepare thoroughly and showing up anyway.
A Message to Future Engineers
To everyone preparing for the upcoming Civil Engineering Board Exam:
Show up: On the days you feel prepared, show up. On the days you feel overwhelmed, show up anyway.
Embrace the traps: Use your review period to make mistakes, get stuck, and learn how to avoid traps in PSAD, HPGE, and MSTE.
Anchor yourself in gratitude and faith: Do your absolute best, trust the preparation you put in, and surrender the rest.
Engr. Jude Bernard Miñoza started with a simple hope to graduate, but by taking one step at a time, he ended up reaching the top. Your path might feel steep right now, but every problem solved and every sleepless night is building the engineer you are meant to become.
Keep pushing—your turn to sign as "Engr." is coming!
ENGR. JUDE BERNARD VILLARBA MIÑOZA
BS Civil Engineering, CIT-U
Summa Cum Laude
1st Place, September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination
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