MANILA, Philippines – In the colorful halls of Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT)–University, the Siago twins have made their mark as living proof of determination, sisterhood, and ambition.
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| Photo courtesy: Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) - University |
Though identical in looks and laughter, Jelly Ann and Jolly Babe Siago carved unique paths to success in their respective engineering fields.
Jelly Ann, younger by a few minutes, conquered Civil Engineering as a Summa Cum Laude graduate and Top 2 graduate in her batch, and also passed the April 2025 Civil Engineering board exam.
Meanwhile, Jolly Babe Siago shone brightest in Electrical Engineering, becoming a Summa Cum Laude graduate and Top 1 graduate in her batch, CIT-U’s 2024 Queen of Engineers, and topnotcher of the August 2025 Registered Electrical Engineer board exam.
Her remarkable achievement not only highlights her brilliance but also inspires countless aspiring engineers to aim high and break stereotypes.
In a special interview with CIT-U, the twins shared their favorite campus spots, the traits they admire in each other, and how they challenge the stereotype that engineers are always serious.
According to Jolly Babe, despite their rigorous studies, they still enjoyed socializing with friends through casual “tagay” sessions or lighthearted activities.
Both sisters now envision becoming professors and eventually launching their own engineering firms, with Jolly Babe especially determined to make a mark in the world of Electrical Engineering.
For freshmen hoping to follow their path, Jelly Ann advises, “Stop worrying—you are doing great, and you will ace it,” while Jolly Babe adds, “There will be hard times and challenges, but you will get through them.”
Back in high school, Jolly Babe never considered engineering, facing the common expectation for girls to pursue nursing instead.
A nursing immersion program made her realize it wasn’t her calling, and a prayer for guidance led her to discover Electrical Engineering as a high-demand career in Switzerland.
Though her mother and others initially resisted, labeling it a “man’s course”, their doubts only strengthened Jolly Babe’s determination to succeed.
"I laugh that stereotypes still exist. But at the same time, I felt challenged," she said.
Today, the Siago twins’ story of perseverance, brilliance, and sisterly support stands as an inspiring TWINspiration for aspiring engineers everywhere.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express