MANILA, Philippines – Most people measure success by how quickly they reach the finish line. For Engr. Jeovanie Castañeda Dioses, the longer road led to an even greater destination.
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| Photo courtesy: Jeovanie Castañeda Dioses |
Seven years in college, a year away from school to earn a living, failed subjects, and years of uncertainty could have ended his dream. Instead, every setback became another step toward a future he refused to abandon.
Today, the 32-year-old from San Pablo City, Laguna serves as an Electrical Engineer aboard an international cruise ship.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Dioses reflected on the setbacks, sacrifices, and unwavering determination that helped him earn four Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licenses and build a career that now takes him around the world.
Dioses earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines–Sto. Tomas after first pursuing Information Technology. Inspired by his grandfather and two uncles who repaired electrical equipment, he shifted to Electrical Engineering and committed himself to a new path.
The journey was anything but easy.
Financial struggles forced him to stop studying for a year and work as a fast-food crew member before returning to school.
Mathematics also became his greatest academic challenge, and he even failed two subjects that he later retook during the summer.
Many would have seen those setbacks as reasons to quit.
Dioses chose to keep going.
"I spent seven years in college, but I never gave up," he recalled.
Instead of struggling alone, he learned from classmates who excelled in mathematics. "Nakikireview ako sa mga magagaling kong classmate. Sa kanila ako nagtatanong kung paano nila naso-solve yung mga problems," he shared.
That humility became one of his greatest strengths.
When preparing for the September 2018 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination, Dioses followed a disciplined routine, beginning each day before sunrise to review formulas before attending review classes and studying until late at night.
The sacrifices paid off.
Passing the REE board examination meant more than earning a professional title. It meant becoming the first engineer in his family and honoring the sacrifices of his parents. "Sobrang saya kasi ako yung pinaka-unang engineer sa pamilya," he said.
His parents remained his greatest source of inspiration throughout the journey. Dioses said they sacrificed so much to provide for him and his siblings, and their unwavering support gave him the strength to keep going despite years of setbacks.
Today, that inspiration has come full circle. As a husband and father, he hopes to become a good example for his own child by showing that perseverance, hard work, and continuous learning can turn even the biggest obstacles into opportunities.
Success did not stop there.
Dioses first became a Registered Master Electrician after passing the September 2017 licensure examination. He followed it by passing the September 2018 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination, earned his Certified Plant Mechanic license in February 2023, and most recently passed the July 2026 Registered Master Plumber Licensure Examination. Today, he is among the few professionals in the Philippines to hold four distinct PRC licenses.
Dioses' PRC licenses include:
- Registered Master Electrician (RME) – September 2017
- Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) – September 2018
- Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM) – February 2023
- Registered Master Plumber (RMP) – July 2026
He has also earned certifications as an Electro-Technical Rating (ETR), Safety Officer 2 under both BOSH and COSH, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
After spending five years in the Philippines' industrial and construction sectors, Dioses pursued another dream and entered the maritime industry.
Today, he sails the world as a 3rd Electrical Engineer aboard Celebrity Cruises while preparing for his next goals of becoming an Associate ASEAN Engineer and an Electro-Technical Officer.
Looking back, Dioses believes success is not reserved for the smartest people. It belongs to those who remain teachable, embrace challenges, and never stop learning.
"Hindi mo kailangang maging magaling; kailangan maging teachable ka."
He also encouraged future board examinees to stay disciplined and never let fear define their future, saying, "Di mawawala yung kaba, frustration at anxiety, pero kaya 'yan. Ako nga na hindi magaling sa Math, nakapasa eh."
From spending seven years in college to earning four PRC licenses and building a career that now takes him around the world, Dioses has shown that success is not measured by speed but by perseverance. Every delay became preparation, every failure became a lesson, and every achievement became another reason to keep reaching for bigger dreams.
— The Summit Express
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