What 3 new electrical engineers sacrificed to top the board exam

CEBU, Philippines — In pursuit of becoming topnotchers, three graduates of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) had to put leisure on hold, sacrifice gaming and outings, and push through personal challenges as they prepared for the September 2026 Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination.

Their sacrifices paid off as CIT-U once again produced the national No. 1, marking the third consecutive electrical engineering licensure examination in which the university produced a first placer.

Charles Anthony S. Santillan tied for first place nationwide with Dan Joel Monte de Leon of Palompon Institute of Technology, both posting a rating of 94.25 percent.

Two other CIT-U graduates also made it to the national top 10. Kienth Vincent E. Oracion placed third with 93.55 percent and Niño Louie P. Verame ranked sixth with 93.05 percent.

The three shared their experiences during a press conference at the CIT-U Wall of Fame Library on Wednesday, September 16, where they talked about their preparation, sacrifices, motivations, and plans after obtaining their licenses.

For Santillan, the review period meant cutting back on gaming and turning down outings with family and friends to concentrate on his goal.

He said the pressure largely came from himself, particularly after being named CIT-U's King of Engineers, but he used that pressure as motivation rather than allowing it to distract him.

Santillan, a summa cum laude graduate who studied at CIT-U from junior high school through senior high school, also developed an application to help with his studies. He had previously represented the school in regional and national quiz competitions.

He said aspiring examinees should establish a clear plan, set milestones, and list their goals. Among the goals he wrote on a whiteboard was becoming the country's No. 1 electrical engineering examinee.

Oracion, who graduated magna cum laude and also completed his senior high school education at CIT-U, likewise sacrificed his gaming time during the review period. He also deactivated his social media accounts to maintain his focus.

He said becoming a topnotcher was something he had hoped for, although he still felt nervous while taking the examination. He advised future examinees to find people who can help them through the review process.

“Pangita og group o circles nimo. Helpful kaayo na mag-share mo sa knowledge,” Oracion said.

Verame's path to the top 10 was marked by a different set of challenges. While preparing for the examination, he was working as a photographer at the Minglanilla Municipal Public Information Office, while also dealing with family concerns.

His mother was undergoing dialysis and his father had pneumonia. Because of the challenges he faced, Verame was unable to take the April 2026 licensure examination and had to stop his review before eventually returning to prepare for the September examination.

Verame said his family was among his strongest motivations to continue. He said he wanted to help provide them with a better future, particularly after seeing the sacrifices made by his parents.

He also plans to continue serving the public, with a possible return to the local government unit of Minglanilla, this time as a licensed electrical engineer.

CIT-U's College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Dr. Evangeline C. Evangelista said the university's performance was supported by a program that identifies and develops potential topnotchers early in their academic journey.

“Sugod pa lang gi-enhance na sila, gipili na kung kinsa ang possible topnotchers. Most of them are topnotchers,” Evangelista said, pointing to the combined support of the university administration, department, and faculty.

She said the college also conducts Saturday sessions and peer mentoring, while its Learning Enhancement Program brings in additional support during students' vacant periods.

In the Electrical Engineering Department, the “Teenabangay” initiative allows students to serve as peer mentors through a system where those needing assistance can seek help, reflecting the program's “no classmate left behind” approach.

CIT-U said it has produced 786 topnotchers across its various licensure examination programs, including 96 national first placers. In electrical engineering alone, the university has produced the national No. 1 for three consecutive examinations.

For the September examination, 44 of CIT-U's 84 electrical engineering examinees passed. Evangelista said 87 percent of the university's first-time takers passed, with repeat examinees affecting the overall passing rate.

The university's Electrical Engineering Department is headed by Engr. Lowell Ratilla, while Engr. Roberto P. Base Jr. serves as assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture.

Engr. Genry Oñate, known as “Coach G” to the three topnotchers, also joined the press conference. He is a CIT-U alumnus who placed among the topnotchers in the April 2011 Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination and is now a faculty member of the Electrical Engineering Department.

The Professional Regulation Commission reported that 1,676 of 3,399 examinees passed the Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination administered by the Board of Electrical Engineering in 17 testing centers nationwide.

Cebu schools accounted for five of the national top 10. Aside from the three CIT-U graduates, Jeff Kepler Sombilon Teves of Cebu Technological University-Tuburan placed second with 94 percent, while Jeremiah Gecana Lausa of CTU-Main ranked ninth with 92.40 percent.

Santillan said he plans to join AboitizPower and render four years of service, while Oracion is considering either pursuing a career in the academe or working in a private company.

Verame said those preparing for the examination should find something that will keep them motivated, adding that his own motivation came from his desire to give his parents a better future.

He also vowed to continue doing what he loves as he moves forward as a licensed engineer. — /MRM (FREEMAN)