Village Connect
What began as an uncertain journey into engineering has become a remarkable story of academic excellence for Rohan Ardiente, an SM Foundation scholar from Cebu City who emerged as the topnotcher of the October 2026 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination.
With an impressive rating of 95.80%, Ardiente led 2,337 examinees nationwide, marking another milestone in his academic journey. Earlier this year, he also secured second place in the March 2026 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination.
Behind these achievements is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and a family determined to provide a better future.
Overcoming an Uncertain Beginning
Engineering was not an easy path for Ardiente when he entered Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U).
Unlike many of his classmates who came from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) backgrounds, Ardiente had to attend bridging classes to strengthen his knowledge of mathematics and science.
Rather than allowing his academic disadvantages to discourage him, he embraced the challenge and worked harder to catch up.
His determination was inspired by his parents, who worked tirelessly to support his education. His father serves as a barangay responder, while his mother works at a hospital information desk.
As an only child, Ardiente understood the financial sacrifices involved in pursuing an engineering degree at a private university.
His mother eventually discovered the SM College Scholarship Program and submitted an application on his behalf.
“My mother actually applied for the scholarship for me, which is why to this day I still use my mother’s email address in the SM portal instead of my own,” he recalled.
That simple decision opened the door to opportunities that would transform his future.
A Scholarship That Changed Everything
Through the SM Foundation scholarship, Ardiente received full tuition support and a stipend, significantly easing his family’s financial responsibilities.
“Being an SM scholar gave me the financial security to focus entirely on my academics,” he shared.
With fewer financial worries, he devoted himself to academic excellence, participating in national mathematics competitions such as the UP Los Baños AutoMATHic National Quiz Bowl and the UP Cebu Intercollegiate Math Quizzard.
His dedication eventually earned him Magna Cum Laude honors and CIT-U’s Mathematician of the Year recognition.
Discipline Behind the Achievement
Ardiente approached his board examination preparation with the same determination that defined his college years.
Instead of relying solely on memorization, he developed a disciplined review system focused on identifying mistakes, understanding difficult concepts, and solving challenging problems.
He kept study materials on his mobile phone, allowing him to review lessons whenever an opportunity arose.
For Ardiente, success was built through consistent preparation rather than last-minute efforts.
He also credited SM Foundation’s encouragement for keeping him motivated throughout his journey.
“The encouragement from SM Foundation also gave me constant motivation. Knowing they believed in me pushed me to give my best,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As he prepares to enter the professional world, Ardiente hopes to build a career in integrated circuit design, circuit design, or hardware development.
Beyond professional success, he also dreams of helping students overcome educational and financial challenges similar to those he experienced.
His message to aspiring scholars is simple: “Seek opportunities like the SM Scholarship, listen to people who want to help, and keep moving forward.”
Ardiente was not the only SM scholar who celebrated success in the October 2026 licensure examination.
Six other scholars from the Class of 2026 also passed: Johann Michael Fronda of National University-Manila, Azalea Gilongos of Cavite State University-Main Campus, Kathleen Ibusca of PHINMA-University of Pangasinan, Kien Shouhei Maghirang of Batangas State University-TNEU, Kenn Loyd Pepito of the University of San Carlos, and Robin Carlos Pineda of Holy Angel University.
Fronda graduated Cum Laude, while Pepito earned Magna Cum Laude honors.
Their accomplishments reflect the importance of making quality education accessible to deserving Filipino students.
For Ardiente, topping the board examination represents more than personal recognition. It is a tribute to his parents’ sacrifices, the opportunities provided by SM Foundation, and his belief that every challenge can become a stepping stone toward success.
His journey demonstrates how education, determination, and meaningful support can turn an uncertain beginning into a promising future.
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