Civil Engineer board exam topnotcher speaks up on his viral ‘basic’ remarks

Carl Jervin Rivera Magtira said in jest that the exam as “basic”


MANILA, Philippines – Carl Jervin Rivera Magtira clinched the top spot in the November 2022 Civil Engineering (CE) Licensure Exams.

The 26-years-old graduate from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) went viral not just for his achievement but because of his calm and cool response about the exam.

In a screenshot shared by his classmate, Richard Pabroquez, on Facebook, he revealed how he never doubted Magtira’s performance in the CE exam.

Carl Jervin Rivera Magtira said in jest that the exam as “basic”
Carl Jervin Rivera Magtira said in jest that the exam as “basic” | Photo courtesy: Facebook/ Carl Jervin Magtira, Richard Pabroquez

In the convo, Magtira described the exam as “basic” or easy. He later clarified that it was said in jest, although he admitted that he was confident he will pass the exam.

Pabroquez also explained that Magtira is not arrogant or overconfident, as some netizens thought about the post. He explained, “Contrary to what my post may have implied, sobrang down to earth ni Carl. Hindi siya yung “show off” type of person. Siya yung tipong estudyante na tahimik lang sa klase pero magugulat ka na lang siya na pala yung topnotcher sa mga exams.”

Pabroquez further explained that the response was nothing but a laughing moment for them. “Ganyan lagi yung banatan namin, nasanay lang siguro sa pagdodota,” he said.

“Maybe his ‘basic’ response is his way of keeping a positive mental attitude especially since the hardest part of the exam is the one scheduled for the next day,” he explained.

Magtira also defended his response, saying that his confidence stems from his hard work in preparing for the exam. He said, “I only had the confidence to say that because I know to myself that I will pass the board.”

“I admittedly had a hard time after the two-day exam, but I also had a feeling that I can make it to the top 10,” he added.

Magtira topped the list of the 8,029 passers out of 20,407 in the November 2022 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam, as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Tuesday, November 29.

— Sally, The Summit Express