Ageless Ambition: 81-Year-Old Engineer-Hopeful Takes on the Board Exam Calculator-Free
On September 26–27, 2026, hundreds of aspiring engineers gathered in Cagayan de Oro City for the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination. Among the crowd of fresh graduates and young professionals stood Mr. Flaviano Jr. Verad Abragan, a figure who immediately redefined what it means to pursue a lifelong dream. Turning 82 this December 24, Mr. Abragan took on one of the country's most rigorous professional board exams without using a calculator—relying entirely on foundational knowledge, mental arithmetic, and decades of determination.
On September 26–27, 2026, hundreds of aspiring engineers gathered in Cagayan de Oro City for the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination. Among the crowd of fresh graduates and young professionals stood Mr. Flaviano Jr. Verad Abragan, a figure who immediately redefined what it means to pursue a lifelong dream.
Turning 82 this December 24, Mr. Abragan took on one of the country's most rigorous professional board exams without using a calculator—relying entirely on foundational knowledge, mental arithmetic, and decades of determination.
A Journey Decades in the Making
A graduate of Liceo de Cagayan University in 1989, Mr. Abragan’s journey to the licensure exam spans over three decades of quiet perseverance. While most individuals in their eighties enjoy retirement, his presence at the exam site served as a testament to an unyielding spirit:
Unshakable Resolve: Walking into the testing center without a calculator, Mr. Abragan demonstrated an extraordinary confidence in core engineering principles and manual problem-solving.
Defying Statistics: In an era where standardized testing heavily relies on modern computing tools, his approach highlights pure grit and dedication to the craft.
A Beacon for CDO: Highlighted by PRC Region 10, his story captivated test-takers across Cagayan de Oro City and the entire nation, shifting the exam narrative from anxiety to pure inspiration.
The Power of Endless Determination
"His courage tells us that age is not a reason to stop. Sometimes, all we need is the hope to keep going, the courage to try, and the determination to never give up."
Mr. Abragan’s story serves as a reminder that milestones do not expire. Whether sitting for a board exam at 22 or 81, the ambition to achieve a personal dream carries the exact same weight.
To every examinee waiting for results, and to anyone holding onto a quiet ambition: keep believing, keep trying, and remember that a dream truly knows no age.