Engineering Insights & Stories

For Engr. Renzo A. Gantala, earning Rank 7 in the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination was not a sudden breakthrough, but the culmination of years of quiet preparation, discipline, and unwavering faith—tested by uncertainty, setbacks, and even natural disasters. At 23 years old, Engr. Renzo comes from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, and is a proud graduate of Southern Leyte State University–Sogod. His journey reflects the story of many aspiring engineers who may not begin with certainty, but choose to stay, persist, and ultimately excel.

From solving complex engineering problems to representing her province on the national stage, Engr. Andrea Ravanzo Cayabyab embodies the modern Filipina who refuses to be boxed into a single identity. A graduate of PHINMA University of Pangasinan, a November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination passer, and the Miss Universe Philippines Pangasinan 2025, Andrea’s journey is one defined by discipline, purpose, and courage. She stands as proof that a woman can confidently wear both a hardhat and a crown—without having to choose between the two.

When the results of the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination were released, one name stood above all - Engr. Jonathan Conrad G. Yu, the Top 1 Placer, embodying not just brilliance, but discipline, humility, and a quiet consistency that defined his path. At 24 years old, Jonathan Yu’s story reflects both talent and grounded determination. A graduate of the University of San Carlos, he grew up sharpening his analytical mind through math competitions and even cultivated the quirky ability to solve a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds. Outside academics, he enjoys basketball, food trips, and listening to BINI - a reminder that topnotchers are very much human, too.

Some achievers start with a clear direction. Others discover their purpose along the way. For Engr. Angelo De Jesus Cabungcal, what began as uncertainty transformed into discipline, growth, and an inspiring pursuit of excellence - one that brought him close to topnotcher-level performance. Engr. Angelo describes himself as an “average student.” No medals, no quiz bee achievements, no Latin honors.

Behind every topnotcher is a story and Engr. Raniel Dann M. Irag’s story is one of redemption, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to become the best version of himself. Hailing from Davao City and a proud graduate of Ateneo de Davao University, Engr. Irag’s journey toward becoming a Top 10 passer in the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE) is anchored not only in academic discipline, but in deep personal purpose.

For Engr. John Lester, 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.