Nabua, Camarines Sur – Ace Roldan Legardo, 29, from Iriga City, Camarines Sur, has once again added another license under his belt after recently topping the 2025 Certified Plant Mechanic Licensure Examination (CPMLE).
When asked about his journey, Legardo humbly said there was “no secret formula; only focus and faith.” Like many other examinees, he made sacrifices and gave his best.
“Wala naman talaga na mga secret formula, ang mga tao kasi kanya-kanya din naman ang style. Pero para sa akin kasi, ang pinaka ginagawa ko lang palagi is [naglalaan] ng time para sa pag-aaral. Nagfo-focus ako,” Legardo said.
Behind the Topnotcher’s Heart
Legardo finished his secondary education at Nabua National High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC), Nabua.
As the first-born, he grew up in a modest household where hard work was the family’s foundation. His father hauled cement, while his mother—despite being a degree holder—took on laundry jobs to help make ends meet.
Despite financial struggles, his parents did their best to support their children’s studies.
“Bilang isang estudyanteng galing sa mahirap na family, kailangan kong siguraduhin na makapasa sa exam. Kasi hindi naman kami galing sa well-off na family. So, hindi ko pwedeng basta-basta pabayaan yung pag-aaral,” Legardo shared.
From Teaching Dreams to an Engineering Path
Legardo once dreamed of becoming a teacher, even aspiring to be a professor. But as opportunities unfolded, his path shifted toward engineering.
While teaching inspired him, he realized that the demand for engineers offered more flexibility and stability. Instead of following the chalkboard path, he pursued multiple professional licenses to expand his opportunities.
His determination to adapt led him to new fields. He explained that the role of a certified plant mechanic is “like a mini-version of a mechanical engineer,” covering power plants, machine shops, air-conditioning systems, and more.
The complexity of the field surprised him but also deepened his appreciation for it. What began as a dream of teaching eventually turned into a career of engineering excellence. Though the classroom was not his final destination, the discipline, patience, and dedication he once hoped to bring as a teacher continue to guide him as a multi-licensed engineer.
A Collection of Licenses, A Journey of Sacrifices
Through the years, Legardo has earned not just one, but four professional licenses: topping the Master Plumber Licensure Exam in 2023, placing 2nd in the September 2018 Master Electrician Licensure Examination, and passing the Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination in 2018.
His most recent achievement is the CPMLE in 2025. Each milestone, however, came with fresh challenges.
“For me, the last exam is always the hardest,” he admitted.
Every time he took one, it was something new and not directly connected to his previous licenses. Because of this, he always had to start again from the basics.
He recalled investing not only in books and review centers but also in himself—coffee, vitamins, and sleepless nights became part of his routine.
“So, ako siyempre galing sa zero. Kailangan kong aralin yung pinaka-basic at palaging pinaka-challenge yung bago. Ngayon, yung certified plant mechanic yung pinaka-mahirap pa sa akin… Medyo nag-iba yung set ng questions. Kung dati 1 to 100, naging 1 to 15 na lang per subject. So, malaking adjustment. Hindi namin alam kung saan kinukuha yung mga questions,” he shared.
While many his age relied on youthful memory, he compensated with strategy and discipline. Behind his drive for excellence, however, was a deeply personal motivation.
When he took the Master Plumber Licensure Exam, he had a special plan in mind: proposing to his long-time partner.
“I didn’t have the means for a grand proposal, so I thought, maybe after my speech at PICC, I could propose. And it happened,” he said with a smile.
That moment sealed not only his professional victory but also a new chapter in his personal life.
Now based in Western Bicutan, Taguig City, he lives with his wife while working on projects in Makati and BGC. Despite being away from home, his heart remains tied to his roots in Iriga City, where his mother and siblings still reside.
Gratitude Beyond Titles
Despite his string of achievements, Legardo remains grounded. He dedicated his success to God, his wife, his siblings, his mother, his church community, and relatives who never doubted him.
“I’m blessed to have a wife who understands my dreams, a mother who prays for me endlessly, and siblings who encouraged and even supported me financially,” the engineer said.
He emphasized that he never felt alone in his journey because he was surrounded by supportive people.