Mapua University has once again solidified its standing as the country’s premier engineering and technological institution after one of its graduates topped the latest Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE).
Marc Zendrijk Valdez Pasumbal led the newest batch of Filipino civil engineers, clinching the first-place spot with an outstanding score of 94.10 percent. The achievement marks another milestone for the university, which has long served as a training ground for highly competent professionals in the local engineering sector.
Pasumbal’s triumph continues a consecutive streak of academic excellence for Mapua. The university previously produced two top-tier engineering professionals, including Engineer Miquel Lorrenzo Caballero Rubia, who placed seventh overall in the April 2025 examination, and Engineer Justine S. Ahammed, who secured the third overall spot in November 2025.
University officials attribute this pattern of success to the institution’s specialized academic framework. Dr. Gilford Estores, dean of the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering, noted that the university implements targeted academic support programs, strict curriculum alignment, and dedicated faculty mentoring to boost student learning and exam readiness.
According to university administration, Mapua conducts mandatory exit and correlation examinations before graduation to properly assess student learning outcomes and determine readiness for the boards. The institutional support extends past graduation through organized review sessions, continuous access to study materials, and formal send-off activities designed to prepare students for the rigorous licensing path.
To secure the top spot, Pasumbal utilized a strategic, two-phased review method spanning eight months. He initiated the first phase during his final term in college, spending three months drafting personalized review notes and balancing his schedule with rest. He then transitioned into a five-month period of intensive preparation, during which he strictly limited his social media consumption to designated study breaks.
With the board exams behind him, the newly licensed engineer plans to pursue a career in either structural engineering or construction management. He also intends to apply as a part-time lecturer at Mapua to give back to his alma mater. For future examinees, Pasumbal emphasizes the importance of embracing the preparation process, maintaining proper rest, and dedicating full effort to the endeavor.