CIT University civil engineering graduate Jude Bernard V. Miñoza secured the TOP 1 spot in the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination, adding another milestone to the university’s 80-year tradition of academic excellence.
The May 2026 Summa Cum Laude graduate achieved the highest rank after only four months of review. His achievement makes him CIT University’s 97th first placer and adds to the university’s 789 board examination topnotchers across its programs.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that 6,337 of 17,062 examinees passed the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination. Official PRC examination results: https://www.prc.gov.ph/node/9410
A Passion for Mathematics and Civil Engineering
Miñoza, the second of five siblings, developed an early interest in Mathematics. He actively sought opportunities that challenged his abilities and strengthened his problem-solving skills.
His own research into college programs led him to Civil Engineering. He learned that the field involved demanding examinations and mathematical problems. Drawn to that challenge, he chose to pursue his degree through the CIT University Civil Engineering program: https://cit.edu/cit-university-programs/cea/civil-engineering/
His potential became evident well before graduation. As a second-year BS Civil Engineering student, Miñoza won Mathematician of the Year 2024. The annual CIT University competition covers Mathematics lessons taught across college year levels.
The competition is typically won by senior students. Miñoza, however, rose above the field while still in his second year.
That same year, he joined the team that won the championship at the Intercollegiate Math-Stat Quizzard, hosted by the University of the Philippines Cebu. One of his teammates was Engr. Charles Anthony Santillan, who later earned the TOP 1 spot in the September 2026 Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination.
In 2025, Miñoza and two fellow CIT University students also won the championship in AutoMATHic 2025. The national intercollegiate engineering mathematics quiz contest was held at UP Los Baños.
These competitions gave Miñoza opportunities to test his knowledge beyond the classroom. More importantly, they helped him build confidence in solving complex problems.
Support Through a Difficult Time
Miñoza’s academic journey was also marked by hardship.
Early in 2024, a fire destroyed his family’s home. The loss included his school belongings, requirements, and other necessities. The experience left him deeply discouraged.
His friends and classmates soon rallied around him. They provided financial assistance, clothing, books, and notes to help him continue his studies.
Just a few months later, Miñoza won Mathematician of the Year 2024.
Among his prizes was a laptop from the University President. The gift carried special meaning because Miñoza had lost many of the tools he needed for school. Until then, he had been sharing a laptop with a family member.
Having his own laptop gave him another reason to be thankful. Along with recognition for his abilities, he received a resource that helped him continue developing those abilities.
Family, Mentors, and Teachers Behind the Achievement
Throughout his studies and review, Miñoza’s family remained a steady source of encouragement.
He credits his father, the family’s sole breadwinner, for consistently believing in him and encouraging him to pursue his interests. His mother also supported him during every competition, regardless of the result.
During his review months, his family gave him the time and support he needed to concentrate on preparing for the licensure examination.
Miñoza also expressed gratitude to his teachers in the Civil Engineering Department. Among them was his mentor, Engr. Michael Lyndon M. Chua, who earned TOP 8 in the April 2024 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination.
The support extended to CIT University’s leadership, which continues to provide opportunities for students to develop their interests and pursue their potential. The university’s College of Engineering and Architecture has long supported programs in engineering and architecture.
For Miñoza, these opportunities helped transform his passion for Mathematics into achievements on both campus and national stages.
Growing Through Shared Knowledge
Even while working toward his own goals, Miñoza made time to help classmates and others who sought his guidance.
He believes knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is shared. Explaining mathematical concepts to others also strengthened his own understanding.
This practice made learning more than a personal pursuit. It became a shared experience in which students could learn from one another.
When Miñoza finally saw his name at the top of the PRC results, his first response was gratitude to God.
His prayer had been to pass the examination. Becoming the country’s top scorer felt like receiving more than he had asked for.
Continuing CIT University’s 80-Year Legacy
As CIT University marks its 80th year, Miñoza’s achievement adds another chapter to its record of board examination excellence.
His accomplishment brings the university’s total to 97 first placers and 789 board examination topnotchers, continuing a tradition built across generations of graduates.
CIT University’s official milestones recognize the institution as a home of topnotchers and first placers. CIT University’s milestones and board examination achievements: https://cit.edu/milestones/
The university’s Civil Engineering program also aims to develop graduates who can apply mathematics and science to engineering problems while responding to local, national, and global needs.
Miñoza now joins that distinguished tradition, particularly the Circle of First Placers.
His journey reflects more than an outstanding examination result. It shows how passion, discipline, mentorship, family support, and opportunities to learn can help a student reach extraordinary goals.
After 80 years of excellence, CIT University continues to nurture students whose interests can grow into meaningful achievements.
Miñoza’s TOP 1 finish in the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination now becomes part of that continuing story.