MANILA, Philippines – Nico Anthony Ferenal Tejano from Naga City, Cebu, made headlines after securing the top spot in the February 2025 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination (MELE).
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Nico Tejano and University of Cebu |
As part of his reward for achieving this remarkable feat, Tejano was given a choice: a brand-new car or a P500,000 cash prize. This offer came from Atty. Augusto Go, owner of the University of Cebu (UC), where Tejano has been an academic scholar since his senior high school years.
While previous first placers from UC received a Toyota Wigo as their prize, Tejano opted for the P500,000 cash prize.
Tejano revealed that he isn’t a materialistic person and wasn't interested in the car. Used to commuting and without a driver’s license (since he doesn’t know how to drive), Tejano shared that he had once bought a cellphone during the pandemic to support his online classes.
Tejano plans to use the cash prize to support his parents, who have been instrumental in his academic success.
In a lighthearted moment, Tejano also joked that his future wife would be “lucky” to have him, noting that he has no vices and has never been in a romantic relationship.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/LAKANDIWA |
Tejano wasn't the only UC graduate celebrated for his exceptional performance in the February 2025 MELE. John Rey Bellita Fabre, who secured 10th place, also received a P50,000 cash prize. Fabre expressed his appreciation and shared that he intends to use the prize money to help finish building their house.
In addition to the cash prizes for Tejano and Fabre, the university also extended a generous incentive to the Mechanical Engineering Department. The faculty members were awarded a free trip to Hong Kong in recognition of their continued excellence in preparing students who perform exceptionally well in the licensure exams.
The University of Cebu has long been home to topnotchers and is known for recognizing its exemplary students with cars and cash prizes.
In December last year, Engr. Francis Charles Lauta, also from UC, was awarded a brand new car for topping the November 2024 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE).
Read: Top 1 of November 2024 Civil Engineer Licensure Exam receives cash, brand new car
— The Summit Express
