Two Negrenses, who topped the Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination, dedicated their feats to their families whom they said were their inspiration in their journey to become licensed engineers.
Alexis Sumugat, a graduate of Negros Oriental State University, placed third with an average of 88.80 percent, and Jimmery Velasco Gadeja, from St. Louie University, placed fourth with 88.60 percent, the Professional Regulations Commission announced on Monday, Nov. 6.
Sumugat, 22, is from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, while Gadeja, 23, is from Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Sumugat said he was at a coffee shop when the results came out and his mother was one of the first people to learn that he passed the board examination.
“My parents motivated me to select the course saying that the family really needed an engineer,” he told DIGICAST NEGROS.
“You could say that my parents had the final say, and were my inspiration in selecting Geodetic Engineering in NORSU”, Sumugat said.
His father, Francis, 57, is a private land surveyor, while his mother, Maricar, 51, is a housewife, he said.
Sumugat admitted that “it was a time crunch” one month prior to the examination due to graduation requirements.
“Most of the information I brought into the exam, I had to read up and study in the last month leading to the exam,” he said.
“I could only dedicate the achievement to my family and girlfriend, as they have been the most supportive and important people in the undertaking of this endeavor,” Sumugat said, adding “The milestone is considered a win, but it isn’t one I could achieve alone”.
When asked what his plans are, Sumugat said he was not yet certain but assured that he will repay the efforts and love his parents gave to him.
‘DREAM COME TRUE’
For Gadeja, studying at SLU in Baguio City was a dream come true, and passing the board exam is a fulfilled wish for his brother who has Down Syndrome.
“I always dreamed of studying in Baguio and I am grateful that I was fully supported by my family despite their financial struggles,” he said.
Gadeja is the fourth of five siblings who were raised by their mother Jimma, 56, a store owner. Their father, Christopher, passed away in 2019.
He told DIGICAST NEGROS that his youngest sibling, Jimmy, has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and has became his motivation to finish his studies.
“Me and my other siblings strived to graduate and we dedicate this to our youngest brother who may not experience it,” he said.
Gadeja said he shed tears of joy when he saw the esults.
“I dedicate this success to my mother who works really hard just to provide us the best education and life; to my siblings who supported me and sacrificed a room just for me to review effectively; to our manghod who gave me so much inspiration to excel; to my late father who failed to witness this; and to our Creator who only did not give me strength but also sustained me throughout this journey,” Gadeja said.
After getting his license, he wants to study law to complement the degree that he has now.
Gadeja advised future board exam takers to always believe in themselves.
“Cliche as it may be, but believing in yourself bears the confidence that you need while you take the exam,” he said, adding that the “board exam is not just about how much knowledge you have but it is also a matter of execution”.*