Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) architecture graduate Fritz Mari S. Sendrijas ranked first in the June 2023 Architect Licensure Examination (ALE).

With an 85.90% rating, Sendrijas notched the board and is among the 50 new architects who passed the 2023 licensure examinations from the university.

In a press conference held Monday, Sendrijas said quality education and having friends as study buddies built confidence in him while preparing for the exam.

“When you enter and leave the campus, you are confident na you can answer everything… to take the exam and get the license,” Sendrijas said.

Noting the pressure that comes especially for students who chose architecture, Sendrijas emphasized the value of forming friendships in college.  

“Maraming nights na walang tulugan… when you are doing your thesis—it’s very mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting, and it’s really your friends na talagang nakakatulong sayo.”

Prior to the motivation of achieving his dream to become an architect, Sendrijas revealed architecture was not his first choice in high school. “I decided to choose architecture the last minute.”

When asked to give some advice to aspiring architects, the graduate, who is also a scholar, said to value education as a source of diligence.

“Really attend your classes. Once you attend class, if you’ve learned something in that classroom, you don’t need to study that much.”

Inspiring future architects, he added, “Dream big, believe in God, believe in yourself na kaya mo… padayon, ug laban.”

Moving forward, Sendrijas said he plans to “widen experience in a much more comprehensive aspect of architectural practice” and help young aspiring architects if an opportunity comes for teaching.

Sendrijas is the third Atenean topnotcher from the AdDU School of Engineering and Architecture.  

With 49 passers out of 69 takers, AdDU placed fifth in the top-performing schools and garnered an 80.33% passing rate in the June 2023 ALE.