MANILA, Philippines — Charles Anthony S. Santillan expected a lower rank after the September 2026 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination (REELE), but the results gave the Cebuano Summa Cum Laude graduate a place he never anticipated: Top 1.
Out of 3,399 examinees, 1,676 passed, with Santillan sharing the top spot with Dan Joel Monte De Leon of Palompon Institute of Technology-Palompon, both earning an impressive 94.25% rating.
“I didn't expect to become number one,” Santillan said during Cebu Institute of Technology–University’s (CIT-U) press conference on Wednesday, September 16.
After the examination, he calculated his approximate score and thought it would earn him a lower ranking, making the actual result an unexpected and emotional surprise.
“But when I saw the results, I was actually very happy, and my family was, of course, very happy,” he said.
His latest achievement adds to an already remarkable academic journey that includes graduating Summa Cum Laude and being named Valedictorian in 2025.
At CIT-U, he was also named King of Engineers 2025, a university title recognizing his accomplishments as an engineering student.
He was likewise a consistent Dean’s Lister and National Quizzer and received the Silver Loyalty Award.
His education was supported by scholarships, including the Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities Scholarship and DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS), as well as consistent College Scholar and Presidential Scholar discounts.
But behind the impressive list of achievements were sacrifices that became especially important during his board exam review.
Santillan said he limited social media use, playing video games, and bonding and enjoyment with family and friends to remain focused on his preparation.
Those sacrifices have now become part of CIT-U’s remarkable board exam history.
For the third consecutive year, CIT-U has produced a Top 1 placer in the REELE, following Jolly Babe Mallari Siago in August 2025 and Christopher Regino Brodith Maranga in August 2024.
SEE ALSO: TWINspiration: The Siago Twins’ Journey to Engineering Excellence
What began as an expectation of a lower rank ultimately ended with Santillan standing at the very top, a reward for years of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance that he and his family can now celebrate.
— The Summit Express
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