Two young Ilocano achievers from humble backgrounds made their families proud by landing in the Top 10 in the recent Civil Engineers Licensure Examination.

Craig William Ferrer, 22, from Mangaldan, Pangasinan, secured the fourth spot while Joash Normie Duldulao, from Solsona, Ilocos Norte, ranked 10th.

Craig is the son of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and a poultry farmer, while Joash's father works as a farmer and tricycle driver.

Both young men have shown that with hard work and determination, no dream is too big to achieve.

For Craig’s parents, Arnol and Diesie Ferrer, their son’s success is more than they could have hoped for.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos, sabi ko, 'Lord i-guide mo ang anak ko sa exam niya,' Thankful ako sa Panginoon,” Arnol, Craig's father, said.

“Iyong nararamdaman ko, hindi ko alam kung iiyak ako sa saya. Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit nasa malayo ako, nag-aral talaga silang mabuti,” Diesie, Craig’s mother, added.

Craig, who graduated magna cum laude from a university in Baguio City in July 2024, said he was inspired by his family’s sacrifices.

He's thankful for his family's support that helped him reach his goal.

“Inspiration ko ang pamilya ko, at saka sa sarili ko para sa future ko,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joash proves that hardship is no barrier to success.

“Sa mga parents ko [na] naging inspirasyon sa tagumpay na ito, at especially isa lang akong anak... I strive[d] hard talaga para makamtan ko ang aking mga pangarap,” he said.