Bata pa lang si Isabella Martinez ay interesado na siya sa infrastructure, tulad ng mga daan at gusali.
Dahil sa "deep fascination" na ito, pinili ni Isabella na tahakin ang landas tungo sa pagiging isang civil engineer.
Produkto si Isabella ng Philippine Science High School-Main Campus, na kilala rin bilang Pisay.
Nagtapos siya noong 2015.
Para sa kolehiyo, nagtungo siya sa Japan para mag-aral sa Kyoto University.
Nag-graduate siya sa kursong Bachelor of Engineering noong 2020.
Nakumpleto naman niya ang kanyang Master of Engineering degree program in Civil Engineering sa naturang university noong 2022.
Matapos ang dalawang taon ay napabilang si Isabella sa Top 10 ng November and December 2024 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination.
May rating siya na 91.15 percent.
Nakapanayam si Isabella ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last February 19, 2025 via Facebook Messenger and email.
Read: Theodore Tulod Jr.: magna cum laude, Top 7 in geologists' board exam
BECOMING A CIVIL ENGINEER IS ISABELLA MARTINEZ’S CHILDHOOD DREAM
Pagbabahagi ni Isabella, bata pa lang ay talagang pangarap na niyang maging isang civil engineer.
“With both my parents in the field, I was exposed to engineering at a young age and developed a deep fascination with the infrastructure that shapes our daily lives—from the roads we travel on to the buildings where we live, work, and study.”
Malaking impluwensiya rin daw ang kanyang high-school alma mater.
“Coming from Pisay, I have always been driven by the goal of contributing to the development of the Philippines' infrastructure.
“To pursue this vision, I chose to study in Japan, where I could gain valuable knowledge and experience in advanced engineering techniques.
“Japan has collaborated with the Philippines on many infrastructure projects, and learning from their expertise allows me to bring new perspectives and innovations to our own country’s development.”
Read: Abigail Cayanan: Cum laude, Top 1 in nursing board exam
ISABELLA MARTINEZ’S CHALLENGES IN TAKING THE BOARD EXAM
Hindi na nagkuwento si Isabella tungkol sa mga pinagdaanan niya nang magkolehiyo sa Japan.
Sa halip, ibinahagi niya ang mga pinagdaanan nang kumuha ng board exam.
“The biggest challenge for me in taking the board was preparing for it while working full-time.”
Araw-araw kasi ang kanyang trabaho mula alas siyete ng umaga hanggang alas singko y media ng hapon, at may work din siya every other Saturday.
“I would spend at least three hours every night after work studying, trying to cover all of the topics of the board exam.”
Pagbibigay-diin pa ni Isabella, “I had also graduated from my bachelor’s program four years ago, so it was an additional challenge trying to recall some of the covered topics.”
Pero may naiambag ang pagiging employed niya at pagkakaroon ng ng karanasan na sa field.
“There were some topics that I found more challenging than others, but since I am already working, I also had the advantage of knowing how the topics are applied in the field.
“However, what was really difficult about the exam was the exhaustion of solving 50-75 math problems continuously for five to six hours!”
Read: Ian Gabriel Mangulabnan: Top 1 in agriculturists board exam
ISABELLA MARTINEZ GRATEFuL AND HUMBLED BY MAKING IT TO TOP 10
Kumpara sa ibang kumuha ng board exams, hindi inisip o pinangarap ni Isabella na maging topnotcher.
“My goal in taking the board exam was really just to do my best, like how I would do in any other exam or task.
“I’m truly grateful and humbled to have made it to the Top 10.
“It’s an achievement I didn’t expect but deeply appreciate.”
Kuwento pa niya, bandang alas tres ng madaling-araw nang lumabas ang resulta.
“I was just scanning the full list, searching for my family name, and felt an overwhelming sense of relief when I finally saw it.”
Wala siyang kamalay-malay na isa siya sa mga topnotchers.
Nalaman lang niya nang mag-check siya ng mga messages at marami ang bumati sa kanya.
“Surprised, I went back to look at the topnotcher list—and when I saw my name, I couldn’t help but cry.
“After five months of stress and constant worry about whether my nightly preparations would be enough to pass, this felt like an unexpected but deeply rewarding moment.”
Read: Andrea Yzabell Cortez: cum laude, nursing board topnotcher
HER SUCCESS IS FOR HER PARENTS, SCHOOLS
Una sa lahat, inialay ni Isabella ang tagumpay sa kanyang parents.
“I am deeply grateful for their support, which allowed me to pursue my studies in Japan.
“I recognize the privilege of having had this opportunity, and I know that without their hard work, I wouldn’t have received the education that shaped me.”
Hindi rin niya nakalimutan ang mga educational institutions kung saan siya nag-aral, “Their lessons have played a huge role in this journey. And for that, I am truly thankful.”
ISABELLA MARTINEZ PLANS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COUNTRY’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Sa ngayon, nasimulan na ni Isabella ang mga pangunang hakbang ng kanyang pangarap bilang isang fully-licensed civil engineer.
“I am currently working for a Japanese construction company, working on a flood control project in Metro Manila under DPWH, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“I am grateful to be working on this project, fulfilling my goal of contributing to the development of infrastructure here in the Philippines.
“I hope that in the future, I can also contribute more to the civil engineering research field in the country.”
Bukod dito, may isa pang makabuluhang layunin si Isabella.
“With the skills I have gained, I hope to contribute to building a stronger, more resilient infrastructure in the Philippines—one that supports progress, sustainability, and a better quality of life for future generations.”
Read: Meet Angelica Baroso: cum laude, topnotcher, first degree holder in family
ADVICE TO ASPIRING CIVIL ENGINEERS: HAVE A CLEAR DIRECTION FROM THE START
Para sa mga tulad niya na gustong maging civil engineer, may mga payo si Isabella.
“The best way to grow in this profession is to stay curious and learn from everyday experiences.”
Aniya, dapat sa umpisa pa lang ay klaro na kung ano ang gustong maging specialization.
“What challenges do you want to address?
“Do you see yourself contributing to research and policymaking?
“Do you want to work in construction, building infrastructure for public or private sectors?
“Are you passionate about improving urban environments, or do you want to expand access to rural areas?”
Dagdag pa niya, ang mga priorities ay maaaring mag-evolve habang lumalawak ang mga nagiging karanasan.
“But having a clear direction from the start allows you to refine your skills and make a meaningful impact.
“In such a vast field, knowing where you want to contribute helps you grow, specialize, and stand out as a civil engineer.”
Read: Meet Ricamhel Villamayor: summa cum laude and topnotcher