MANILA, Philippines – Long before his name appeared on the roster of topnotchers in the March 2026 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination (ETLE), Rohan Ardiente had already spent years proving that excellence is not a gift but a habit forged through discipline, consistency, and relentless hard work.
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| Photo courtesy: Rohan Ardiente |
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, the 22-year-old Cebuano, who graduated Cum Laude from Cebu Institute of Technology-University's Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering program, shared the journey that led him to place second nationwide in the licensure examination.
Known among his peers as a math wizard, Rohan established himself as one of the country's most accomplished student competitors through a string of victories in mathematics, engineering, and quiz bowl competitions.
His impressive résumé includes four national championships, three consecutive UP Cebu Intercollegiate Math Quizzard titles, the UP Los Baños AutoMATHic National Quizbowl championship, back-to-back national electronics quiz victories, and recognition as CIT-U's Mathematician of the Year.
Yet behind the trophies and accolades was a young man whose passion for learning began with a fascination for innovation, circuits, and the mathematics behind modern technology.
According to Rohan, his long-standing interest in innovation, circuits, and mathematics influenced his decision to pursue Electronics Engineering.
The field offered him an opportunity to combine analytical thinking and creativity while exploring systems that shape everyday life.
Like many high-achieving students, his path to success was not without challenges.
Aside from attending classes and meeting academic requirements, he regularly prepared for competitions that demanded extensive study, mental endurance, and exceptional time management.
When it came to preparing for the board examination, Rohan relied on consistency rather than last-minute cramming.
He studied almost every day, dividing his time between board examination preparation and quiz bowl training while keeping study materials on his phone so he could review lessons anytime and anywhere.
The review period became even more demanding because he was simultaneously working on his thesis and preparing for his final defense while studying for the licensure examination.
During the actual examination, unfamiliar questions made him doubt whether he would earn a place among the country's top performers.
Because of this, the results came as an unexpected surprise.
Rohan was outside when a friend suddenly congratulated him through Facebook Messenger.
Confused at first, he asked why, only to discover that he had secured the No. 2 spot nationwide.
Overjoyed, he immediately ran home to tell his father before sending a message to his mother, who was at work, to share the life-changing news.
Despite becoming a board exam topnotcher and graduating with Latin honors, Rohan remains focused on his next challenge—the Electronics Engineering licensure examination.
For aspiring board passers, he emphasized the importance of preparation, discipline, and effective time management.
"Manage your time well and make starting to study easier; it must not take five minutes to start your study session, so either prepare your study materials way before you start," he said.
For those who dream not only of passing but of topping the examination, he offered a mindset that reflects the determination behind his own success.
"And if you want to top the board exam, be obsessed enough in order to achieve it."
From mathematics champion to board examination topnotcher, Rohan Ardiente's story serves as a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are often built through ordinary days of relentless effort, unwavering focus, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
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