Daniel Quisa-ot: The detainee who became an engineer and earned 4 PRC licenses

At 27, Daniel Villamor Quisa-ot of Bukidnon has turned his years behind bars into a story of resilience, faith, and redemption.

Once a Department of Science and Technology scholar, Dean’s Lister, and a recognized quiz champion, his academic journey was derailed when he was convicted of a crime and was imprisoned.

But against all odds, he not only completed his degree in Electrical Engineering while in jail—he later went on to pass four board examinations of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Humble beginnings

Born to a farmer in rural Bukidnon, Daniel’s early life was far removed from the future he would one day build.

“I was once a farmer's son in our place, who tend carabaos and cows in the farm and on the side, musician at the church in our community,” he recalled during his interview with GMA News Online. 

His love for music unexpectedly became his gateway to engineering.

“When I graduated high school, I wanted to build a guitar gadget to be used in our band (Church Worship Music Ministry). I prayed to the Lord asking for guidance about what course to take and while my eyes were closed in praying just a vision of a small spark was the answer of my prayer and then Amen… later did I know that Electrical Engineering is the meaning of the spark.”

As a student at Central Mindanao University, Daniel excelled—earning scholarships, topping quizzes, and becoming a Dean’s Lister. Yet, he said his confidence came not from achievements, but from faith.

Life behind bars

Daniel’s life changed drastically when he was detained before finishing his final semester. The adjustment, he admitted, was brutal.

“I was ready for physical abuse... gaya ng suntukan and gulpihan (like fistfights and beatings) but I was out of myself because I realized that I am not ready emotionally. I can endure physical pain but the emotional pain to stop studying, be separated from my loving family and be put into a 180 degrees opposite environment was hard.”

"Then, I saw my Bible and reviewer inside my bag when they inspected all my belongings. I realized that I was a graduating student and my family sent a Bible with me. Inside the cell, I thought I will lose my mind, but God helped me so I could continue having a direction, a goal," he added.

Still, he admitted there was a time when despair nearly consumed him, especially whenever he thinks about how close he was to finishing his studies, and how he lost the chance.

Returning to his studies

Seven months into detention, Daniel received a lifeline.

“I wasn't able to continue my study directly while in jail, I think seven months in jail, and then I got a news that the university president, Department of Electrical Engineering, Rev. Jojo Sumastre, Sir Allan Gurrea (provincial warden), family and friends will help me continue my last semester.”

Life as a “manungkulan” (trustee) meant balancing jail duties with late-night studying. Without gadgets or electricity, he relied solely on books, handouts, and lessons brought by classmates—passed on during visiting hours. Exams were taken under strict conditions, sometimes handed over by his parents.

The board exam journey

Daniel confessed that hardships almost pushed him to quit.

“There was a point when I nearly quit studying because if the difficulties. It was hard enough for students who are not behind bars and free, how much more for someone like me who's in jail?," he said.

"But the motivation I received from my family, friends, classmates, and jail officials kept me going," he added.

He sat for his first PRC exams without formal review classes—only relying on past lessons and notes.

“No preparation at all, I was just thinking about my past lessons because that is only two weeks before the boards.”

The night before the exam, surrounded by classmates who had trained for months in Cebu, Daniel nearly gave up.

“I went out and called my mom, saying that I would go home because I can't make it… But by God's grace, it was a good thing that my mom disagreed. She told me to take the exam,” he said.

To his surprise, Daniel passed—not once, but four times, eventually earning multiple licenses under the PRC —Electrical Engineer (2021), Master Electrician (2021), Registered Master Plumber (2023), and Certified Plant Mechanic (2024).

“I didn't expect to pass… later did I know that the purpose of all these things is this, to be an inspiration,” he said.

Daniel knows that for many, the stigma of being an ex-detainee is hard to shake off. But instead of rejection, he found support and recognition.

“There were people inviting me to speak, there were people who took a picture with me like a celebrity, even though my face was not for a celebrity,” he said.

Through it all, he says it was all about faith.

For Daniel, his journey redefined success and resilience.

“Darkest moments are part of the journey… Everything in life, including challenges is normal. Let's thank God for it and ask what the Lord is preparing us for," he said.

Today, Daniel is praying about the next chapter —a job in power plants, distribution utilities, or even on a ship. He also dreams of writing a book about his personal journey.

Looking back, Daniel said this is what he wants to tell himself: “You have fought a good fight of faith, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith. I know you are weak, but I know also that you have a strong and sovereign God.” —LDF, GMA Integrated News