Mapúa MCL Alumnus, Faculty, and Program Chair Pass the Oral Exam for Professional Mechanical Engineer
By: Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) proudly celebrates Engr. Alexander Hamilton S. Atienza, Program Chair, and Engr. Jordan L. Ronquillo, faculty member and alumnus, both of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) program from the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Laguna (MITL), for passing the Oral Examination and Technical Evaluation for Professional Mechanical Engineers (PME).
For both Engr. Ronquillo and Engr. Atienza, their journey toward becoming Professional Mechanical Engineers was shaped by the values, training, and experiences they gained at Mapúa MCL.
Engr. Ronquillo shared that Mapúa MCL, his alma mater, planted the seeds that helped him grow into the professional he is today. He emphasized that perseverance and discipline were the key traits that guided him throughout his preparation for the PME Oral Examination. According to him, these qualities not only contributed to his success but can also inspire aspiring mechanical engineers who aim to achieve the same distinction in the future.
Engr. Atienza highlighted the significant role Mapúa MCL played in developing both his technical expertise and professional character. He noted that the institution instilled in him discipline, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to excellence, qualities that proved invaluable in his professional journey. In addition, his involvement in research further strengthened his analytical skills, broadened his technical knowledge, and enhanced his ability to address complex engineering challenges.
Discussing the challenges they faced while preparing for the PME Examination, Engr. Ronquillo shared that one of the most demanding aspects was preparing the technical materials required for his presentation before a thesis-like panel of evaluators. He also emphasized the importance of the interview portion of the examination, which played a crucial role in the overall assessment process.
Engr. Atienza discussed one of the challenges he experienced was balancing the demands of his professional responsibility with time and focus needed while preparing for the PME exam. In addition, the challenge he discussed was the uncertainty of the topics he experienced. He was able to solve these problems by recalling all the fundamentals, codes, and laws he has learned throughout his professional Mechanical Engineering journey.
To future mechanical engineers, Engr. Ronquillo offered words of encouragement, urging students to persevere and practice discipline in both their academic and personal lives. He stressed that academic excellence alone does not define success, and that with determination, consistency, and self-discipline, aspiring engineers can achieve their professional goals, including earning the prestigious PME license.
On the other hand, Engr. Atienza encouraged students and young professionals to remain committed to continuous learning and professional growth. He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for development and striving for excellence in all aspects of their engineering careers.
This achievement aligns and strengthens Mapúa MCL’s commitment to UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.
