UB graduate with 33 failed, 2 dropped subjects passes MELE on first take

Allen Madlangbayan, 25, passed the 2024 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination on Feb. 27, 2024. Photos courtesy of Allen Madlangbayan

A University of Batangas (UB) engineering graduate who spent about eight years finishing his course due to flunking grades has passed the February 2024 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination (MELE) on his first take. 

Allen Madlangbayan, 25, posted on Facebook his achievement in becoming a registered mechanical engineer by reminiscing about his academic struggles including having 33 failed and two dropped subjects. 

Giving up was never an option

In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Madlangbayan revealed that engineering was initially not his desired course. He wanted to pursue information technology or education, but both courses were no longer accepting applicants by the time he enrolled during his first year.  

Madlangbayan took his chances with engineering when he learned that the department had available slots at the time, even though he did not see himself becoming an engineer or “having what it takes to be one.” 

“Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I have failed my subjects in engineering because I can’t picture myself becoming an engineer, or perhaps because I’m just a student with a weak intellect,” Madlangbayan said. 

Despite his academic failures and financial problems, Madlangbayan was bent on finishing what he had started, even if it meant spending roughly eight years to complete his bachelor’s degree.

Road to board exam

Madlangbayan took his studies seriously, especially when he started attending review centers for the board examination. He highlighted that his journey was never easy, but receiving people’s relentless support made it bearable.

(Left photo) Allen Madlangbayan’s friend, Jillian (wearing a gray shirt), helps him review for the board exam. (Right photo) Madlangbayan’s chess match. Photos courtesy of Allen Madlangbayan

He became a scholar as a chess player after his coach, Denver, took him in with the school’s chess team. The opportunity made the review cost affordable, as his scholarship had covered P14,000 of it.

Madlangbayan made sure that the help he got would be worthwhile by dedicating all his time and effort to reviewing. He witnessed his efforts bear fruit as he landed on the top 10 of UB’s pre-board exam. 

“I believe that I can do it because I saw that the board exam is a competition where everyone is chasing for the ranks; that’s why I aimed to become one of the top despite all the difficulties. Even though I wasn’t lucky enough to make it to the top [on the board itself], I’m happy now with what I’ve achieved,” Madlangbayan expressed. 

Meanwhile, Madlangbayan advised dreamers and “average” people like him never to be discouraged when facing failures but to learn to fight harder and make breakthroughs. 

“Keep going and be consistent with what you want because no one excels immediately. Everyone needs to work hard. Before, I didn’t believe in the saying that hard work wins over intellect, but now, I have proven to myself that as long as you work hard, you can keep up with anyone,” Madlangbayan concluded.