MANILA, Philippines – A beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has clinched the highest place in the April 2023 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination (CELE), announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on April 29, 2023.
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| Engr. Alexis Castillo Alegado lands top 1 in April 2023 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Mariano Marcos State University |
Engr. Alexis Castillo Alegado of Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte, shared the top spot with Garret Wilkenson Ching Sia of De La Salle University in Manila. Both topnotchers earned a score of 92.10 percent, besting the 5,887 passers of the licensure exam.
Alegado is one of the 4Ps beneficiaries in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, who used it to improve their lives, the DSWD proudly announced. The DSWD’s 4Ps program is a national government initiative that gives cash grants to the “poorest of the poor” to help provide for their basic needs and education.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said Alegado’s success is proof that the 4Ps has a positive impact and is an effective tool in helping the youth achieve their dream and overcome poverty.
“Patunay po ang tagumpay ni Engr. Alexis Alegado na ang ating 4Ps ay napakahalaga sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino para mapagtapos sa kolehiyo ang kanilang mga anak na siyang makakatulong para sa pag-angat mula sa kahirapan,” Asst. Secretary Lopez said.
According to Asst. Secretary Lopez, Alegado is one great example of how the government’s social programs can assist the youth to finish their education. Alegado was a beneficiary of the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) program and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Both grants are given to deserving students who belong to the 4Ps program who excel in their studies. Those who meet the requirements can enroll in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) taking the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) priority programs.
Alegado stated in an interview that he deleted all of his social media accounts before the announcement of the license exam results, so he was taken aback when he saw the results himself. He said, “Gusto lang po talaga is pumasa. Bonus na lang po kung magto-top,” he said.
The topnotcher said it has always been his childhood dream to be an engineer. He even said that he was inspired by his neighbor. “Kasi po engineer yung kapitbahay namin, na-amaze po ako sa mga ginagawa niya.”
Ilocos Norte’s 1st congressional district representative Sandro Marcos congratulated Alegado, wishing him more success. He wrote on Facebook, “Congratulations to all our new Civil Engineers, especially to Engr. Alexis Castillo Alegado for being the top notcher among the 5,887 examinees! My highest hopes that you will continue such success in your profession!”
— Sally, The Summit Express