#ProudViscan ranks first in the February 2026 MELE

“My preparations started way back on my first day in college.” 

This was the notable, grounded answer of Engr. Jose Arnil Colina Corong, Jr., who outdid 3,264 passers out of 6,294 takers, in the February 2026 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination (MELE), when asked about his preparations for one of the country’s most rigorous licensure examinations.

Surely, this long view of discipline and daily step of excellence carried him to the first rank of the latest MELE results, where he posted the highest rating of 93.25%. The Professional Regulation Commission reported an overall passing rate of 51.86%, underscoring the competitive nature of the profession.

Corong graduated as the sole cum laude of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program in his batch. He anchored his success not on last-minute review tactics, but on systems built over years of intentional study.

“During review days, I applied the strategies that best suited my learning style—strategies that I discovered while I was still studying at the Visayas State University. I was very intentional in all the little details,” he said.

Inspired by Excellence, Driven by Systems

Corong’s goal to top the boards took clearer shape during his freshman year at VSU, under the tutelage of one of his instructors, Engr. Mark Anthony S. Arcayan—also a #ProudViscan—placed first in the February 2022 MELE with a record-breaking 96.60% rating.

“Seeing that our instructor topped the board exam made the goal more concrete,” Corong recalled. “I figured that if I was in the same school, with the same exposure and training, why not try?”

He stressed, however, that ambition alone is insufficient. Quoting a principle that guided his preparation, he said: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” For Corong, this meant refining daily habits, building discipline, and executing tasks with consistency and care.

“Don’t focus too much on distant goals,” he advised aspiring engineers. “Shift your focus on what you can do now. Be intentional. Over time, watch how your efficiency compounds.”

Nevertheless, he is quite candid about the challenges he faced along the way. 

“I experienced failures and near-failing moments in college. But I believe that those do not define one’s true worth. If you fail, then let that be your reason to stand up again.”

Strong Support Fueling Excellence

Beyond his strong internal drive and personal discipline, Corong attributes his success to what he calls a “small but quality” support system.

He is very thankful towards his parents, who supported him throughout college and review; to his partner, who stood by him through doubts and celebrations alike; and to his friends, siblings, and cousins who constantly checked in on him. 

“They had great faith in me. It kind of rubbed off on me, so I felt the responsibility to give my best,” he added.

He also credits the VSU Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering for recognizing and nurturing his potential early on. “They planted the seeds,” he said, noting that the training and exposure he received in the university laid the groundwork for his excellent board performance.

VSU’s Performance and National Context

The February 2026 MELE was administered on February 11–13 in testing centers across the country, including NCR, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Zamboanga, among others. 

Mechanical Engineering is widely regarded as one of the most challenging licensure examinations in the Philippines, often cited among the five most difficult board exams due to its breadth in mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, and machine design.

This year’s results also reflected the strong showing of provincial institutions. 

While the University of the Philippines Diliman posted a 100% passing rate (64 out of 64) among schools with significant examinee counts, several regional universities produced top performers and high numbers of passers.

At VSU, the Main Campus recorded a 71.43% passing rate, producing 20 new mechanical engineers. 

VSU Isabel added 10 new passers, bringing the university’s total to 30 newly minted mechanical engineers this cycle.

Corong’s Top 1 finish marks another milestone for the VSU Department of Mechanical Engineering, reinforcing its growing reputation for academic rigor and mentorship-driven excellence.

For the Viscan community, his achievement is both a celebration and a reminder that excellence is never an accident. Rather, it is the accumulated result of disciplined systems, steadfast support, and an academic environment that cultivates potential from day one.

Here are the full lists of our new #ProudViscan mechanical engineers from VSU Main and VSU Isabel Campuses who passed the February 2026 MELE:

VSU Main:

1. 1. Engr. Achilles C. Albarico
   2. Engr. Bryan R. Alluso
   3. Engr. Matthew M. Angeles
   4. Engr. Steve Errol C. Badion
   5. Engr. Kristian Dave A. Baguio
   6. Engr. Darian Jay A. Bayaoa
   7. Engr. Leslie Joy G. Bengalan
   8. Engr. Jose Arnil C. Corong, Jr.
   9. Engr. Earl Louwyndale N. Flores
   10. Engr. Victorino S. Gubalane, III
   11. Engr. Gercel Niño E. Hoyumpa
   12. Engr. Lyra Xyra Vi B. Loberanes
   13. Engr. Joseph Ruel B. Maglasang
   14. Engr. Christian Kyle B. Malazarte
   15. Engr. Rea T. Maurin
   16. Engr. Kyle Louis S. Miraflor
   17. Engr. Junard B, Rañin
   18. Engr. Anecito L. Ren, Jr. 
   19. Engr. Romulo Y. Tabucanon
   20. Engr. Venus O. Tan

VSU Isabel:

1. 1. Engr. Edgardo E. Abe, Jr. 
   2. Engr. Sean Andrews R. Besuña
   3. Engr. Christian RJ S. Centino
   4. Engr. Jopeter F. Matarlo
   5. Engr. Jay O. Nepomuceno
   6. Engr. Marc Ghil S. Onde
   7. Engr. Ian B. Peroso
   8. Engr. Jun Paul B. Rabi
   9. Engr. Rica Jane Sanapao
   10. Engr. Felix H. Viovicente, Jr.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 (Quality Education).

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