He earned 5 PRC licenses, but his greatest achievement was finding his 'why'

MANILA, Philippines – Five PRC licenses are impressive, but Joseph Victor F. Fresnoza says they were never his greatest achievement.

In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, the San Pedro, Laguna native reflected on the failures, self-doubt, and life-changing realizations that shaped his journey from a struggling engineering student to a lifelong learner who now measures success not by credentials, but by the lives he can touch.

Today, Fresnoza divides his time between the chemical industry and his family's pediatric therapy center in Batangas, which serves children with special needs.

Like many young Filipinos, he dreamed of building a meaningful career while supporting his family. Chemical Engineering seemed like the ideal path—a profession he believed would offer professional growth and the opportunity to earn a decent living.

Supported by a DOST Merit Scholarship, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), believing he was ready for the challenge.

Instead, UP humbled him.

"I entered UP thinking I was smart, but the university quickly burst that confidence bubble and humbled me to the core," Fresnoza recalled.

"Everyone around me seemed brilliant—well, everyone except me."

Still searching for the study habits that suited him, he struggled to balance demanding coursework with extracurricular activities until failing almost felt normal.

He recalled praying just to earn a tres during removal examinations and walking back to his apartment in tears after failing to solve even a single thermodynamics problem on an exam.

What was supposed to be a five-year course stretched into seven.

"I almost quit Chemical Engineering during college days, but with the love and support of my family, I still pursued it," he said.

Despite believing he would fail, Fresnoza took the Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination in 2014.

"It was extremely difficult," he admitted.

When he learned he had passed on his first attempt, he could hardly believe it.

"I just prayed and thanked the Lord for the unexpected blessing."

Passing the board exam answered one question but raised another.

"If I hadn't taken Chemical Engineering, what other fields might I have excelled in?" he recalled asking himself.

That question eventually led him into government service as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner Representing Mindanao at the National Youth Commission and inspired him to continue learning.

His years at UP also exposed him to marginalized communities through UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, including a fishing village in Sorsogon, reinforcing his belief that people would become his greatest source of inspiration.

While serving in government, he earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration with excellent grades before pursuing education units and a postgraduate degree in Land Use Planning at the University of the Philippines Open University.

Joseph Victor F. Fresnoza celebrates his graduation from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).

After years of continuous study, Fresnoza finally discovered the learning techniques that worked best for him and, more importantly, rediscovered the joy of learning.

"Studying was no longer the punishment I experienced during my undergraduate days," he said.

"It became something I truly loved."

By the age of 34, Fresnoza had earned five PRC licenses: Chemical Engineer (2014), Chemical Technician (2018), Professional Teacher (2019), Master Plumber (2022), and Environmental Planner (2023).

Most were earned through self-review while balancing work and family responsibilities.

"I usually prepare only two to three months before the exam," he said, explaining that he performs best under pressure despite not considering himself exceptionally intelligent.

In 2023, the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology recognized him as its Distinguished Young Alumnus in Chemical Engineering in recognition of his outstanding achievements and service to the Filipino people.

Joseph Victor F. Fresnoza receives the Distinguished Young Alumnus in Chemical Engineering Award from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2023.

That same year, he graduated with the highest academic distinction from the University of the Philippines Open University and delivered the commencement address.

"It made me realize: Maybe I wasn't as incapable as I thought," he said.

"It redeemed me from the days when I thought I was the biggest failure in college."

Yet even after earning five licenses and receiving prestigious honors, Fresnoza found himself asking one final question.

"Why am I doing all of this?"

The answer, he realized, had little to do with titles.

"I realized that all achievements become hollow unless we understand the deeper purpose behind them."

Today, he channels that purpose through his work in the chemical industry while helping children with special needs through his family's therapy center, where he and his siblings strive to make quality intervention services more accessible and affordable.

He also prioritizes sports and regular exercise—not merely to stay fit, but to remain productive and, most importantly, to be a present father to his young son.

A self-described student for life, Fresnoza hopes to pursue another degree someday—not for another title, but simply to continue learning, growing, and contributing wherever he can.

For young Filipinos searching for direction, his message is simple.

"Always return to your 'why.' Always remember the people who need you most. Always stay grounded in your core values," he said.

"Trust me. Even when you feel completely lost, your purpose will eventually guide you home."

— The Summit Express