According to Civil Engineering Licensure Exam (CELE) topnotcher and Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) graduate Christian Dhon Abejuela, taking care of one’s body, mind and spirit should be prioritized by students, especially those who are taking board exams.

“I was very irresponsible about my physical health, which affected my performance in my studies. I was overweight. I had high cholesterol, I was sleep-deprived, I was diagnosed with a slipped disc at a very young age,” he said.

The lack of care for his health in Abejuela’s college days was said to take a toll on his studies.

After passing the CELE, he shared that, for the meantime, Abejuela plans to take care of his physical health first. 

“I had severe back pain in my early college years, and I wasn’t spiritually faithful. So, my advice is to take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Our body is built and designed to move, so don’t forget to go out and sweat out that body,” he said.

The CELE took place on November 9-10, 2019, wherein 6,510 out of 15,075 takers hurdled the said exam equating to a 43.18 percent national passing rate.

AdDU scored a whopping 95.65 percent passing rate producing 46 passers with Abejuela scoring 91.6 percent.

Despite the achievement, Abejuela said he never expected to land the top ten but was very confident that he would pass the exam because of his efficient preparations.

“I did not expect to place the top eighth or even topnotch the exam, but I was very confident that I would pass the exam. I focused more on the concepts than solving thousands of problems, which boosted my capability in solving problems. I was also confident because my God was with me throughout my review and during the exam,” said Abejuela, who, despite not graduating with Latin honors, was able to clinch a spot in the top ten.

The topnotcher added that his key to landing on the eighth spot for CELE aside from studying was relying on the wisdom and help from God.

“Have faith and trust in our Lord. My advice for aspiring civil engineers is to stay focused and study wisely, but above all, never rely on your strength and knowledge but by the wisdom and help from God. Put Him first, and He will show greater things,” Abejuela shared.

Before Abejuela, AdDU’s CELE topnotcher was Engineer Louie Jay Cabunoc who placed ninth in 2017.