Engineering Insights & Stories

From a rural elementary school in Lagonoy to the national stage, Engr. John Carlo A. Peñas has proven that perseverance and discipline can turn dreams into reality. He placed 9th in the April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam, graduating Cum Laude from Ateneo de Naga University. Today, he also serves as a faculty member at Naga City Science High School under his DOST scholarship return service. Beyond the board exam, John Carlo has already made waves internationally, winning as Champion in the WFEO World Engineering Day Hackathon 2023 and Champion in the CMDF Digital Road Design Competition 2023.

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.

Civil Engineering graduates set to take the September 27–28, 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE) are appealing to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to reconsider its decision to postpone the exam to November 22–23, 2025 due to the incoming typhoon. While examinees recognize and respect PRC’s commitment to prioritize public safety, many are requesting that the rescheduled date be moved to a closer and earlier timeframe—ideally within one to two weeks after the typhoon passes.

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.

After graduating in 2019, he began reviewing for the May 2020 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination. But when the pandemic caused three postponements, he persevered and extended his review until the November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination—where he placed 4th overall. Engr. Daniel followed a strict yet flexible study routine, focusing on mastering every topic instead of rote memorization. He solved past board problems, broke down complex concepts into simpler steps, and used every preboard exam to track and correct his mistakes. When burnout hit, he rested for a few days to recharge, always reminding himself that he was doing this for his loved ones.

Who would have thought that a simple guy who loves video games, billiards, and fishing would one day become the Top 1 in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination? Engr. Godfrey Q. Correa, a proud graduate of Palawan State University, didn’t have a perfect academic journey. During the pandemic years, he struggled to study — but everything changed when Francis Luz (Top 1, May 2015 CELE) encouraged him to join advance reviews at a Review Center. It opened his eyes to the many lessons he had yet to learn and sparked his determination to aim high.

NAME: ENGR. JASON TAHUP BORDAS SCHOOL: Southern Leyte State University (SLSCST) - Sogod Top 4, November and December 2024 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination

Back in the late ’90s, two fresh civil engineering graduates from De La Salle University — Edgar Saavedra and Michael Cosiquien — took a leap that most of us only daydream about during late-night study sessions. They didn’t have a big firm, massive capital, or even a long list of clients. What they did have? Grit, curiosity, and a shared vision to change how things get built.

In the ever-evolving world of construction and engineering, safety is non-negotiable. And for thousands of aspiring and practicing engineers across the Philippines, earning their certification through COSH Training has been the gateway to building a strong and secure career. This September to October 2025, Inhinyerong Sibil, in partnership with ATSOCA Learning Hub, is once again opening its doors for another round of the most trusted safety training program in the country—already trusted by over 10,000 students nationwide.

“Ako si Robi — walang nagpaaral, pero grumaduate ng Electrical Engineering.” These were the powerful words of Rhoubrick Balboa, known online as “Ako si Robi,” as he closed a chapter of his life that once seemed impossible to even open.

Every journey to success has its own rhythm, and for Engr. Carlos Miguel F. Mariano, SO2, April 2025 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) Topnotcher, that rhythm was guided by instinct, persistence, and faith. Ranked No. 1 out of 16,913 takers, his story is a powerful reminder that there is no single formula for passing the boards—only the determination to keep moving forward.