21-year-old engineering student from Kalinga among Most Outstanding Engineering Students in the PH

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A 21-year-old engineering student of Kalinga State University (KSU) has earned national recognition after being named one of the Most Outstanding Engineering Students in the Philippines, the awarding held at the SMX Convention Center Manila on November 24, 2025.

The 24th National Student Convention organized by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE) Council of Students Chapter is an awarding ceremony recognizing top-performing engineering students from institutions nationwide. The event celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and promising potential among future electrical engineers.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Israel A. Lacsa, a student of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering shared he is not used to these kind of events but very thankful for the opportunity and for the award he received.

“ I feel very thankful and a bit shy after receiving the award. I come from a simple province, so I never imagined something like this would happen to me. When they called my name, I was surprised. My hands felt cold, and I didn’t know if I should stand or stay seated. I just kept thinking of my family, my hometown, and all the people who supported me even when life was hard,” said Israel.

The 21-year-old also added that before coming to the awarding he was on a bus bound to a conference in Thailand where he answered the pre-interview questions where he was challenged by the noises in the background and also while preparing the needed the documents.

When asked about his message to fellow students, the electrical engineer aspirant simply said to always focus on doing their best, no matter how small the steps, and be grateful for everyone who supports you.

“To those aspiring to be awardees, stay humble, work hard, and trust God’s timing. Focus on doing your best, no matter how small the steps, and be grateful for everyone who supports you. When success comes, accept it with humility and let it inspire others, not with pride, but with hope and encouragement,” he concluded.