BACOLOD CITY – Two geodetic engineers from Negros Island ranked third and fourth in the October 2023 Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination.

SUMUGAT (left) and Gadeja

They are Alexis Sumugat, 22, of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Jimmerry Gadeja, 23, of Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Sumugat, a graduate of the Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City, ranked third with an 88.80 percent rating.

In a Facebook post, Sumugat said: “The one percent study, 99 percent prayers” journey may have begun not too long ago, but the path towards it was certainly paved before he even had any intention of taking up geodetic engineering.”

He recalled how he prepared for the exam, citing the adjustments from an online class to face-to-face mode of learning, to catching up and absorbing as much information as possible in a month of review, until the day of reckoning, the day of the licensure examinations.

Sumugat said that it was an ensuing agony of waiting for the results amid all the delay and panic whether the effort he exerted was enough to warrant him the success he so desperately wanted to achieve.

“Only God knows how I managed through that phase of my life,” he said, adding that the last couple of months have been some of the most hectic periods in his life thus far.

He thanked his family for fully supporting him in his journey, for pushing him to strive to be better than he was yesterday, and to deliver his utmost best in all situations.

Sumugat also expressed gratitude to his teachers and mentors for the wisdom they have imparted, and for the values and habits they have instilled on him.

He thanked the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for their support and assistance, and for the opportunity and exposure given to him to explore other avenues of growth.

A DOST-Facebook post said Sumugat is a DOST-SEI Undergraduate MERIT scholar for academic year 2019-2023. He has shown passion and dedication for science and technology throughout his academic journey, the DOST said.

Gadeja, who graduated magna cum laude from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, ranked fourth and obtained an 88.60 percent rating.

Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego lauded Gadeja for his achievement during a courtesy visit Wednesday, November 8, at the City Hall.

Last January, Gadeja posted on his Facebook account his college graduation photo with a caption “Topnotcher this October GELE 2023.”

Gadeja said that he was very happy when he learned that he passed the exam and landing in the Top 10.

He said that his mother and his siblings inspired him to do well in his stuides, considering that he was far from them during his college years.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said 644 out of 1,377 passed the licensure examination nationwide from October 25 to 26.