Two scholars of the Department of Science & Technology topped the March 2022 and October 2022 Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examinations.
Engr. Hannah Gomez ranked 1st in the March 2022 board exam, with a rating of 90.20 percent.
Engr. Tharen Ferrolino placed 9th in the recently- concluded October 2022 licensure exam with a rating of 88.80 percent.
Both scholars finished their bachelor’s degree in geodetic engineering in Negros Oriental State University. Engr. Gomez is a DOST SEI Undergraduate RA 7687 scholar batch 2015 while Engr. Ferrolino is a DOST-SEI Undergraduate Merit scholar batch 2018.
“I was surprised. It’s overwhelming, but it was God’s favor that He gave me more than what I asked for. When the news broke, I couldn’t believe it, and I cried out of joy,” Gomez said.
“Becoming a topnotcher was something I was aiming for since I started college. That moment [when I finally made it] felt like a culmination of not just my hardships but of those who always had my back. I feel very thankful for everyone, most especially God who made it happen,” said Ferrolino.
Gomez advised her fellow DOST scholars who are about to take their board exams to make their inspiration their driving force. “[But] rest when you need to, listen and be kind to your body.”
Ferrolino shared his experience: “Think of all the people who will be proud of you when they see your name in the list of passers.” He also encouraged the scholars to review materials online, including sample board exam questions, and to do group study with classmates. “If they ask you about something, go ahead, and teach them since tutoring others helps you assess your own learning.”
Engr. Gomez said DOST has been an “answered prayer” to underprivileged students like her. “The scholarship from DOST motivated me to keep up, to strive hard, and to perform what is required. Above all, DOST became family.”
For Engr. Ferrolino, former president of the DOST Scholars’ Association at NORSU, it was a blessing to receive from DOST his monthly stipends plus allowances during his four years in college. “I was also able to discover more about my strengths and weaknesses.” (Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST NegOr)
