Engineering Insights & Stories

For Engr. Miguel Lorenzo C. Rubia, becoming a licensed civil engineer was always the ultimate goal. A Cum Laude graduate of Mapúa University and now 7th placer in the April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination, he currently works as a Construction Methods Engineer at TTM-JV, contributing to the Metro Manila Subway Project.

For Engr. John Frazer V. Cruz, success came not from natural talent, but from relentless effort and faith. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), he is now a Review Instructor at Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC) and a proud 8th placer in the April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination.

Six years into his career as a licensed civil engineer, Engr. Renz Brixter Lingamen, Founder of Lingamen Engineering, takes a step back and reflects on the journey that has shaped him – not only as an engineer but also as a leader. His words echo the unspoken truths of the profession, where mentorship is often scarce and young engineers are left to learn the ropes on their own.

From the quiet barangays of Eastern Samar to the national stage of the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination, Engr. Noel Justine Lapada has shown that success comes not from perfect routines but from perseverance and self-belief. He proudly secured 10th Place in the April 2025 CELE, representing Eastern Samar State University – Main Campus. Today, he continues to grow in the profession as a Junior Engineer at Acciona Construction Philippines Inc.

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.