Of over 6,000 examinees in the February 2025 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination, two graduates from the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) in Iloilo City made it to the roster of topnotchers.

Ivan Joey Ablanido Gadot ranked Number 2 with a rating of 92.15 percent, while Francis Vonn Gonzaga Jesura ranked Number 6 with a rating of 89.80 percent.

According to the administration of ISAT U, the two graduates have already demonstrated academic excellence and diligence when they were yet students.

Jesura has his relatives to thank for, aside from his parents, for the financial assistance while he was yet a student. He said that while his parents are teachers, he is thankful that his relatives are very generous at supporting financially his studies.

“After graduation, ipinaalam ko sa lahat na gusto kong mag-top dahil yan ang way ko kung may goal ako… sinasabi ko upang mag-manifest siya, ang law of manifestation or law of attraction,” Jesura said.

It was different for Gadot. He said that his aim was just to pass the exam.

Passing would be enough for him. But destiny, he said, has spoken more than he had planned for. Gadot emerged second on the list of topnotchers, much to his elation.

“Isa sa mga naging inspirasyon ko sa tagumpay na ito is ang family talaga. Ang tin-ry [try] ko talaga ang best ko na makapasa at naging bonus na lang ang pagiging topnotcher,” Gadot underscored.

The two new engineers said that the exam was not easy, though.

They said that right from the beginning, the exam was already grueling.

The ISAT U community celebrates the success of two of their alumni.

“I hope ang iba pa naming mga estudyante would continue to aspire not only in passing but to be on top dahil ang university is very proud,” said ISAT University President Dr. Gabriel Salistre, Jr.

The two topnotchers shared tips to the next batch of aspirants.

“Always get enough sleep. Kung maka-eight hours ka, dapat eight hours talaga upang maka-function ka sa araw sang exam,” Engr. Gadot said.

“Ang pag-review o pagkuha ng exam is like pagsisid sa ilalim ng tubig. Kung sino ang nasa kondisyon at may pinakamalalalim na kaalaman, siya ang mas tatagal sa tubig at mas malalalim ang kanyang maaabot,” Engr. Jesura accentuated.