MANILA, Philippines – Kristuffer Darcyth Tan Pring grew up in a humble nipa house without electricity, endured years of bullying because of his cleft palate, and faced poverty that could have buried his dreams.
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| Photo courtesy: Kristuffer Darcyth Tan Pring |
Instead, those hardships became the foundation of a remarkable journey that led him to earn five PRC licenses and dedicate his success to helping others rise with him.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, the 30-year-old from Legazpi City, Albay shared how faith, perseverance, and his family's sacrifices transformed impossible circumstances into extraordinary achievements.
Today, Pring is a licensed Civil Engineer, Master Plumber, Environmental Planner, Professional Teacher, and Geodetic Engineer whose story proves that circumstances never have the final say.
His accomplishments extended beyond earning licenses, graduating Cum Laude from Bicol University in 2016, later completing a second degree in Geodetic Engineering, becoming a finalist in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), competing as a quizzer for five consecutive years, and helping his team finish second in the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) National Civil Engineering Quiz Show.
Looking back, Pring recalls how his mother and the uncle who became his second father supported the family by repacking cooking oil into small retail portions and selling them to neighborhood stores, a humble livelihood that made it possible for him to stay in school and pursue his dream.
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| Photo courtesy: Kristuffer Darcyth Tan Pring |
"I chose Civil Engineering because I dreamed of lifting my family from poverty and building a better life for them," Pring shared.
Studying without electricity, limited resources, and years of bullying because of his cleft palate tested his resolve, but he refused to let those hardships define his future.
Even after entering Bicol University, he admitted doubting whether he could keep up with the institution's high academic standards.
"I overcame those fears through faith in God, discipline, and the determination to never give up," he recalled.
The same mindset carried him through every board examination, where consistency became his greatest advantage.
"I studied consistently using whatever resources I had and focused on understanding concepts deeply," Pring said.
Prayer and staying calm helped him overcome anxiety during the examinations, allowing him to focus on one question at a time until he achieved his dream of becoming a licensed Civil Engineer.
Beyond earning five PRC licenses, Pring continued to expand his expertise by becoming an accredited Materials Engineer and Safety Officer, earning a Project Engineer accreditation, and obtaining certifications in project management and human resources.
His passion for giving back inspired him to establish 2JP Review Center, which provides opportunities for aspiring Civil Engineers in Bicol, especially students with talent but limited financial resources.
"My goal is to expand our Civil Engineering review center so I can help more aspiring engineers, especially those with limited financial resources," he said.
For future board examinees, Pring hopes his journey serves as proof that dreams are stronger than difficult beginnings.
"Never let poverty, disability, or your situation define your future," he said, adding, "Disability and poverty are never barriers to success when you have faith, perseverance, and determination."
— The Summit Express
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