2 Cebu grads top civil engineer exam

Two Cebu graduates topped the November 2017 Civil Engineering licensure examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) earlier this month.

Paul Llacuna Ladesma, a graduate from the University of San Carlos (USC), ranked sixth, while Marvin Calonge Ebora from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) landed eighth in the examination held last November 11-12.

“Passing the board is not about working hard, it's about working smart. Know your body's limit. Find friends with goals same as (yours) because positive surrounding produces positive mood, which enhances your study mood,” said Ladesma in a text message to The FREEMAN.

A total of 12,447 hopefuls took the examination, and only 6,075 passed.

Ladesma garnered an average rating of 95.80 percent, while Ebora got 95.45 percent.

The 22-year-old Ladesma, who hails from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, said he did not know that he topped the exam until his friends informed him about the results.

“At first, I thought my friends were pulling a prank, but when I saw it myself, I was very happy,” Ladesma said.

He added that his preparations for the examination include sacrificing his 2017 summer for self-review, since the review proper did not start until June.

He also said that he monitors his own progress by plotting his scores in the review center, which contributed to his success.

Ebora could not be reached for comments.

The USC Civil Engineering Department is elated with the results.

“The department is very happy with the results of the exams, especially with the topnotcher. It will continue to do its best to nurture future engineers,” said Aure Flo Oraya, the department chair.

The examination was held in the different cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

The date and venue for the oath-taking ceremonies of the new successful examiners is yet to be announced. —