CELE topnotcher: Late start doesn't mean you finish last

CEBU, Philippines — A graduate of the University of Cebu (UC), Francis Charles P. Lauta, has shown that starting late doesn’t mean finishing last.

After spending much of his early college years unfocused, it was only in his fourth year that he began taking his studies seriously—a decision that led him to top the recent Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE).

“Dili ko tarong nga pagka estudyante. Typical, kusog mo-cutting (classes), duwa computer,” Lauta shared.

Initially, Lauta wanted to study architecture, but after enrolling late in college and learning about the entrance exam requirement, he decided to shift his plans. Instead, he inquired about engineering programs that did not require an entrance exam and was told about civil engineering.

“Pinaka una gyud nako pangutana, unsay Engineering nga walay exam,” he said.

When he finally committed to his studies in his fourth year, Lauta reviewed diligently for a year at UC and the Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC), led by Engr. Diego Gillesania.

Math, a subject he initially struggled with, became more manageable thanks to the patience and guidance of his review instructors.

“Pagsugod nako ka top 1 sa pre-board review exams, last ko nga batch, nakaingon ko nga naa man gyud siguroy chance noh? What if ako na lang gyud paningkamutan? What if ihatag nako akong best?” he recalled.

That mindset and determination paid off as Lauta’s “what if” became a reality when he topped the CELE with a score of 93.25 percent.

“Padong na gyud ko natulog nya gitextsan ko’s akong ig-agaw nga top 1 ko. Mora kog naalimungawan. Mora og damgo…Tinuod gyud diay. Di ko katuo, but satisfied na nakuha nako akong goal. After a year of review, it’s all worth it,” Lauta said.

Lauta attributes his success not only to hard work but also to his faith.

“No. 1, salig sa Ginoo. Salig didto sa ibabaw, ayaw gyud pagsalig lang sa imong kaugalingon…mu-lean gyud ka niya gyud. Next, dedication, ayaw gyud kakapoy, e-enjoy lang gyud ang journey. And third, never gyud ang negativity. Instead, go for positivity…positive lang gyud,” he shared.

Lauta’s achievement marks another milestone for UC, which also produced the topnotcher in the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination earlier this year, John Philip Minancillo. Like Lauta, Minancillo was not an honor student in his earlier academic years but finished strong, proving that dedication and perseverance pays off.

To celebrate Lauta’s achievement, UC President Candice Gotianuy announced on Facebook that the school would be giving him a brand-new car.

“UC has produced another topnotcher! This means we’re giving away another brand-new car! Congratulations to Engr. Francis Charles P. Lauta for topping the PRC board exam—becoming Top 1 is no small feat!” Gotianuy said through her social media administrator.

Lauta’s 93.25 percent score edged out University of the Philippines-Diliman’s Josh Andrew M. Martija, who placed second with 92.80 percent, and Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta’s Jomari Abordo, who landed in third with 92.25 percent.

Three other Cebu-based school graduates also made it to the top 10—University of San Carlos’ Rodolfo Guanzon Misa Jr. at no. 8 with 91.50 percent; and Lorenzo Rafael Arcabo Langbid and Cebu Institute of Technology-University’s John David Jerusalem Maguate both at no.10 with 91.15 percent. — /ATO (FREEMAN)