He disconnected from all his social media accounts when the results came in on April 29. And when congratulatory messages started to pour in, he was in a state of shock and couldn’t believe at what he was able to achieve.

Alexis Castillo Alegado from the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) shared the top spot with Garret Wilkenson Ching Sia from the De La Salle University in Manila in the April 2023 Civil Engineering Board Examination.

He also graduated cum laude at MMSU in 2022.

Being consistent in reviewing was his key in excelling in the licensure examination for civil engineers.

He considers his family as his inspiration in carving his path toward success to provide a better life for them.

“Ginawa ko talaga ito para maiangat ang buhay namin,” said Alegado.

They lived at a farming village of Oaig-Upay-Abulao in Paoay town and their family is a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

His father is a farmer while his mother takes in laundry for a living.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na nagbunga din ang mga pagsasakripisyo namin para sa kanilang pag-aaral,” said Teresita Alegado, his mother, during an interview.

DSWD Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said in a statement released on the day of the exam results, he noted Alegado’s achievement as a living testament that the 4Ps program is an essential tool in uplifting the lives of the Filipino families.

“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,” said Lopez.

For aspiring engineers, the Ilokano topnotcher has this to say.

“Kung gusto ninyong tahakin ang journey na maging civil engineer, i-pursue niyo lang. Huwag makinig sa sinasabi ng iba na mahirap ito,” encouraged Alegado.

Indeed, Alegado’s academic success serves as an inspiration that poverty is not a hindrance to achieving one’s dream. Although the reality of every poor family’s plight must not be set aside, there are ways that could help them improve their lives.

While he still savors his sweet success, Alegado is now ready to build and construct his continuing journey of success. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)