Eldest among six children, Joseph Cyril Gredoña admits studying with little resources (financial resources) was really hard. But it didn't stop him from reaching his goal -to be an engineer. 21-year old Cyril, as he is usually called by his parents, just wanted to pass the board exam. Never did he imagine that he will be on top. Yes! You've read it right. Cyril topped the September 28-29, 2011 Mechanical Engineering Board Exam. He got 92.70% average.
Cyril grew up in a nipa hut in Juban, Sorsogon. His father is a tricycle driver and a farmer and his mother is a plain housewife. He was a DOST scholar in Sorsogon State College. According to his mother, Corazon, she borrowed money from a friend to be able to finance Cyril's review.
Teary-eyed Tatay Jose, Cyril's father, didn't expect that his son will top the exam. Passing the exam is enough, he said. But being on top was such a big blessing from the Almighty.
According to Cyril, a private company is now offering him a job.
Meanwhile, another Bicolano pride is Cyril's classmate, Daniel Fortaleza from Barcelona, Sorsogon. Daniel ranked second in the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam. He got 92.60%.
Cyril and Daniel are living proofs that poverty is never a hindrance to success.
They are truly Bicolano's pride!
