Opportunity Meets Determination: SM Scholar Rohan Ardiente Tops EELE Boards

Rohan Ardiente with his parents at CIT-U, in front of a wall of gold plaques honoring the university’s achievers. His mother first introduced him to the SM College Scholarship Program by applying on his behalf, helping open doors to his engineering education. (Photo courtesy of CIT-U)

SM Scholar Rohan Ardiente from Cebu City topped the October 2026 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination earning a rating of 95.80% among 2,337 examinees. This is his second national distinction after placing second in the March 2026 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination.

But when he entered Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) as a freshman, engineering did not immediately feel like familiar territory.

Coming from a non-STEM background in senior high school, Rohan began college taking bridging classes to catch up with classmates who already had stronger foundations in mathematics and science. 

Despite these hurdles, his determination was fueled by a family committed to giving him every possible opportunity to succeed.

An only child, Rohan grew up watching his parents work to provide for the family. His father works as a barangay responder, while his mother works at an information desk of a hospital. With the cost of an engineering degree weighing on the household, his mother came across the SM College Scholarship Program and decided to apply on his behalf.

“My mother actually applied for the scholarship for me, which is why to this day I still use my mother’s email address in the SM portal instead of my own,” Rohan recalled.

That application would become a turning point.

“Being an SM scholar gave me the financial security to focus entirely on my academics,” he said. “Paying for a full four-year engineering degree in a private school was a heavy worry for my parents. Receiving full tuition and stipend from SM Foundation gave them peace of mind and allowed me to focus completely on my studies without worrying about money.”

He made the most of the opportunity.

Seven months before topping the EELE, Rohan placed second in the Electronics Technician Licensure Examination, earning a spot on CIT-U’s banner. The trophies beside him reflect years of quiz bowl competitions that honed his speed, problem-solving skills, and composure under pressure.

At CIT-U, he represented the university in national mathematics competitions, including the UP Los Baños AutoMATHic National Quiz Bowl and the UP Cebu Intercollegiate Math Quizzard. He eventually graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as CIT-U’s Mathematician of the Year.

His experience in these competitions also helped prepare him for the pressure of the licensure examinations. During review, Rohan developed a system around consistency and correction. He kept track of mistakes so he would not repeat them, stored review materials on his phone for practice wherever he went and constantly challenged himself with problem sets.

Yet for Rohan, being an SM scholar meant more than earning medals and academic honors. The support he received also helped him stay focused on his goals.

“The encouragement from SM Foundation also gave me constant motivation. Knowing they believed in me pushed me to give my best,” he shared. “That solid support carried all the way through to my board exam review in Cebu, allowing me to prepare without outside distractions and ultimately top the licensure exam.”

As Rohan prepares to begin his professional career, he hopes to pursue work in IC design, circuit design, or hardware development. In the future, he also hopes to help students navigate challenges similar to those he once faced.

His advice to other aspiring students reflects the journey that brought him here, “seek opportunities like the SM Scholarship, listen to people who want to help, and keep moving forward.”

Rohan’s achievement is a testament to the value of perseverance, family support, and access to educational opportunities. His journey shows how the right support can help students overcome a difficult start and turn their potential into achievement.

Rohan and his fellow SM scholars express their gratitude to SM Foundation during the Presentation of SM College Scholar-Graduates 2026.

Alongside Rohan, six other SM scholars from the Class of 2026 passed the October 2026 EELE, namely: Johann Michael Fronda (Cum Laude, National University-Manila), Azalea Gilongos (Cavite State University-Main Campus), Kathleen Ibusca (PHINMA-University of Pangasinan), Kien Shouhei Maghirang (Batangas State University-TNEU), Kenn Loyd Pepito (Magna Cum Laude, University of San Carlos), and Robin Carlos Pineda (Holy Angel University).