MANILA, Philippines — The topnotcher of the March 2026 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE) from Cebu Technological University (CTU) will receive a ₱200,000 cash incentive from the university in recognition of his outstanding performance in the national board exam.
Rico Quiñones Elao, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Cebu Technological University’s Main–Dumanjug Extension Campus, ranked first nationwide after obtaining a rating of 94.10 percent in the examination, according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on April 7.
Elao shared the highest rating with Marc Zendrijk Valdez Pasumbal of Mapua University–Manila, placing both examinees at the top of the list of newly licensed civil engineers in the country.
The PRC reported that 6,438 out of 18,370 examinees successfully passed the March 2026 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination, resulting in a national passing rate of 35.05 percent.
CTU said it will grant Elao a ₱200,000 cash incentive, part of the university’s program to recognize graduates who achieve top ranks in professional licensure examinations.
The university will also provide ₱80,000 each to two CTU graduates who secured Top 6 placements in the same examination.
“Rico’s remarkable achievement stands as a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the quality of education nurtured within our institution,” the CTU Dumanjug Campus said in a statement congratulating the board topnotcher.
Even before topping the licensure examination, Elao had already earned recognition in academic competitions, particularly in national civil engineering quiz events.
He was crowned national civil engineering quizzer champion in 2025 after previously winning the Don Tomas Mapúa National Civil Engineering Quiz Show in 2024.
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| Photo courtesy: Cebu Technological University |
Elao continued to excel in the academic arena when he returned to the same competition in 2025 and finished as first runner-up.
University officials noted that his achievements in quiz bowls and national contests demonstrated his deep understanding of engineering concepts and strong preparation for the licensure examination.
CTU traditionally honors board topnotchers during special recognition ceremonies attended by university officials, faculty members, and the families of the awardees.
Elao’s success adds to the growing number of Cebuano engineering graduates who have excelled in national licensure examinations and brought pride to their university and community.
— The Summit Express