When Marjun Bustamante Espinosa saw his name among the topnotchers of the August 2025 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination (MELE), he felt a mix of pride, relief, and gratitude. Not only did he pass, but he also placed second nationwide with a score of 92.30 percent.

For the 23-year-old University of Mindanao graduate, this achievement was the fulfillment of a dream made possible through perseverance, the unwavering support of loved ones, and the opportunity provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship program.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, even the simplest machines,” Marjun shared as he recalled what sparked his interest in Mechanical Engineering.

But dreams often collide with reality, and for Marjun, college was not guaranteed. Education costs were a constant challenge for his family, and at times, his dream fell out of reach. Then he learned about the DOST Scholarship.

“Being a DOST scholar turned that fascination into reality because, truthfully, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue college without their support. It let me focus on learning without worrying about finances,” he added.

“I first heard about the scholarship from a friend. Knowing my family’s situation, I realized applying wasn’t just an option, it was the only way,” he said.

Becoming a scholar was a process in itself, requiring documents, certifications, and passing a qualifying exam.

“I knew I had to do everything I could to pass because this scholarship could make my dream of becoming an engineer possible. Passing the exam and seeing my name on the list of qualifiers felt like a huge burden had been lifted,” Marjun shared.

But receiving the scholarship was just the beginning. The road to success came with its share of struggles.

“One of my biggest challenges was managing the huge amount of concepts to study within a limited time,” he said.

“There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned to pause, breathe, and reorganize my priorities.”

Behind Marjun’s success was a strong support system.

“My family and loved ones served as my constant inspiration. I wanted to give back to them for all their sacrifices and support. Whenever I felt tired, I reminded myself that this journey was not just for me, but also for the people who believed in me.”

His dream to give back kept him going even when the pressure of review intensified. Seeing his name among the top scorers during mock exams at his review center assured him that his hard work was paying off.

For Marjun, life as a scholar was more than receiving allowances. It came with lessons beyond the classroom.

“DOST did not just support us financially. They taught us leadership, discipline, and even the value of patriotism, that as scholars, we are not just studying for ourselves but also for the nation,” Marjun shared.

Marjun’s achievement brought immense joy to his family and his community. It also served as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and fellow scholars who dream of overcoming challenges.

“For me, topping the licensure exam means opening doors to great career opportunities. For my family, it is one of our proudest accomplishments, especially after all the sacrifices they have made. And for my community, it is proof that with hard work and support, someone from our background can achieve something remarkable,” Marjun said.

Looking ahead, Marjun plans to pursue further studies in mechanical engineering, possibly with a focus on mechatronics, while gaining experience in the industry. But his heart belongs to something bigger than his career: teaching and mentoring future engineers.

“I want to teach and mentor aspiring engineers because I believe people are the greatest resource of our nation,” he said.

To aspiring scholars, his advice is simple but unwavering:

“Commitment is the key. If you truly want to achieve something, you need to stay dedicated, even during difficult times. Prioritize your studies, but do not forget to rest and enjoy life along the way. The journey is tough, but it is worth it.”

For Marjun, every achievement circles back to that one principle that shaped his path: helping others dream.

“I want my legacy to be that of an engineer who not only excelled in his profession but also inspired others to pursue their dreams despite challenges. As a DOST scholar, I want to embody the principle of being a “scholar for the nation”- someone who gave back through teaching, innovation, and service.

Marjun calls his scholar journey a blessing, but for everyone who knows his story, it is more than that. It is a testament to resilience, a reminder that no dream is too far when determination meets opportunity, and a promise fulfilled that success is greatest when it lifts others too. (By Vener Zygmond O. Rebuelta, DOST-11)