Civil Engineering was the dream Russel Rabanal Retreta once envisioned for himself. When he failed to meet the cut-off, however, he found himself taking an unexpected turn and enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering. What began as an alternative path would soon unfold into a journey of determination, growth, and achievement, leading him to excel in his chosen field and earn a place among the country’s top performers in the September 2026 Geodetic Engineers Computer-Based Licensure Examination (GECBLE).
The journey Engr. Retreta took was far from the path he had originally envisioned, but instead of dwelling on what did not happen, he chose to embrace the opportunity before him and make the most of it. With faith as his anchor, he accepted Geodetic Engineering as the direction meant for him and committed himself fully to the course.
“It was not the plan I started with, but I just told myself that this is what God wants,” Russel recalled.
That decision would eventually lead him to the Top 9 of the September 2026 Geodetic Engineers Computer-Based Licensure Examination, where he earned an impressive 87.80% rating—a distinction that reflects not only his academic preparation but also the perseverance and sacrifices that shaped his journey.
He was raised in a family of limited means, where his parents’ sacrifices were woven into the realities of everyday life. Their perseverance taught him to value even the smallest blessings, appreciate every opportunity, and understand that every chance to move forward carries with it the responsibility to make it count.
“I knew that I had to work hard. I knew that if I really wanted to succeed, I had to make sacrifices. I kept that mindset throughout my studies, and I also reminded my classmates that we had to work hard because all of this was for our future,” he shared.
As the licensure examination drew near, Russel once again chose the path that was both practical and purposeful. Rather than enrolling in a physical review center, he opted for an online review program, allowing him to prepare seriously while easing the financial burden on his family.
His circumstances did not dictate the extent of his preparation; instead, they challenged him to find a way forward.
Russel reviewed online with his former classmates, now fellow engineers—Engr. Justin Ahron Cadacio, Engr. Mark John Rabara, Engr. Eiberson Dave Rapada, and Engr. Junel Sajor. Together, they rented a house in Paoa, Vigan City, transforming the shared space into a place of intensive preparation as they worked toward the same professional goal.
Their setup was simple but purposeful. Armed with online resources, shared knowledge, countless hours of review, and the encouragement of friends pursuing the same dream, they turned limitations into opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Behind Russel’s achievement, he sees the unwavering support of his family, whose sacrifices and trust strengthened his resolve to succeed. He also expressed gratitude to his examiners and to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provided support to his family.
More than a story of passing a licensure examination, Russel’s journey speaks to students who may find themselves pursuing a path they never originally imagined. His experience demonstrates that an unexpected beginning does not have to determine the destination.
Sometimes, a closed door does not bring a journey to an end—it simply redirects it.
His message to fellow UNPians carries the same quiet confidence that has defined his journey: “If others can do it, you can do it too.”
Article by Angelica T. Arquines
