A scholar of the Department of Science and Technology Region XI ranked 4th out of the 1,968 applicants of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering announced by the Professional Regulation Commission last September 20, 2022.
Steve Kierr Ader Sajorga, a graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines Tagum, Davao del Norte and is currently living in Sultan Kudarat, said that the results came as a shock to him given that the exam was really difficult.
“It was surreal and there was overflowing happiness. I was thinking how happy my parents would be when they hear the good news,” said Steve.
Sajorga said that the course was relatively new to him but because of his love for mathematics, science, and agriculture and his hope to help his parents in the future, he decided to risk it and was glad that he was not mistaken.
“I am happy if I can utilize my engineering capabilities, knowledge, and wisdom in this field. It would be amazing to think that I could become a part of making the agricultural sector of our country highly mechanized and sustainable,” he added citing that the course deals with engineering pointing toward the country’s sustainability.
Sajorga further thanked the DOST scholarship program as it significantly helped him in leveraging his dreams and it opened opportunities to continue his studies further with less burden on him and his family.
“My dad is a security guard and earns a minimum wage so it would be difficult for us if we will only rely on his earnings. My family is very thankful for the DOST scholarship that supported me financially in my undergraduate study,’ he added.
Sajorga also encouraged future board takers to know their capabilities and weaknesses so they can practice healthy study habits based on their learning preferences.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You can set a goal and do all the efforts you can give without compromising your health, physically and mentally. Also, always remember that topping the board is just recognition, what matters at the end of the day is you, so just do your best and love what you are doing,” Steve said.
After emerging as one of the top notchers of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer Board Exam, he plans to work in a government agency to contribute to the agricultural sector. He also hopes to earn a master’s degree and start an agriculture business in the future.
Out of the 1,968 takers, 832 passed and are expected to take their oath-taking ceremony at a later date.
Sajorga is a DOST Undergraduate Scholar from 2018 to 2021 under the R.A. 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 which is awarded to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status do not exceed the set cut-off values.
