From Library Nights to Licensure: How the Cebu City Public Library Shaped an Engineer’s Success

For many board exam takers, preparing for one of the toughest tests of their lives often means endless hours in coffee shops, with the added expense of lattes and meals. But for Wendel Raph Rosario Jr., now a licensed mechanical engineer, success required only two simple things: jeepney fare, a small pack of snacks, and a quiet seat inside the Cebu City Public Library (CCPL).

At just 23 years old, the University of San Carlos–Talamban Campus graduate credits the Cebu City Public Library as a vital lifeline in his journey toward passing the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination. What began as a practical study choice soon became a second home that helped him overcome failure, fatigue, and fear of falling short.

Rosario’s dream of becoming an engineer took root early, influenced by his father’s profession and a fascination with robotics. But the path was far from smooth. His first attempt at the mechanical engineering licensure exam ended in failure, leaving him exhausted and on the brink of giving up.

“Repeater jud ko. I almost didn’t take the boards again kay mentally draining kaayo ang idea of starting over,” he admitted. (I was a repeater. The thought of starting over again was mentally draining.)

Despite doubts, he chose to try again, leaning on his review notes, prayers, and the encouragement of his support system. With the second attempt came even more pressure. Long study nights often blurred into mornings, and he constantly worried about whether he had studied enough. The library became his anchor, giving him both structure and hope.

Initially, Rosario turned to CCPL for practical reasons. His dorm in Sanciangko was a short walk away, and unlike cafés, the library cost nothing. What surprised him, however, was how conducive it was for focused learning.

“The library surprised me. Strong ang wifi, comfortable chairs, daghan outlets. And the best part—free tanan,” he said. (The wifi was strong, the chairs were comfortable, there were many outlets—and best of all, everything was free.)

When Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced that the library would operate 24/7, Rosario quickly became one of its regular night users. From 8 p.m. until the early morning hours, he reviewed in the company of fellow board exam takers. He became so familiar to the staff that they knew him by name.

The environment, he explained, kept him motivated. Surrounded by students deep in concentration, he felt inspired to push through his own doubts. The public library gave him a routine: after review classes, he would head straight there, armed only with snacks and fare, confident that he didn’t need to spend on expensive alternatives.

Rosario also found camaraderie within the quiet halls. He met students from different fields, all chasing the same goal of passing their respective exams. Among them was John Philip Minancillo, who later became a topnotcher in the August 2024 Mechanical Engineering board exam.

“Every time magkita mi, he would share tips,” Rosario said. “For someone of his caliber to believe I could pass—that really boosted my confidence.”

That encouragement, combined with his own persistence, paid off. When the board exam results were released, Rosario recalled the disbelief he felt. “Abi nako di kaabot akong score (I thought I didn’t reach the passing score). But seeing my name on the list—it was overwhelming.”

Rosario’s story highlights why public libraries in Cebu remain essential, even in an era dominated by coffee shops and digital learning spaces.

“Not everyone has the privilege to study in cafés every day. It’s costly, and not all homes are conducive to studying,” he explained. “Spaces like the library are important because they give everyone, regardless of background, a fair chance to learn.”

The Cebu City Public Library, with its free facilities and extended operating hours, has become a great equalizer—supporting students from all walks of life and proving that accessible study spaces still hold immense value in a café-driven culture.

Now a licensed mechanical engineer, Rosario dedicates his achievement to his family, his girlfriend, and everyone who believed in him. To future board exam takers, especially repeaters, he offers this message:

“Always trust yourself. Wala jud sayun na exam (No exam is easy), but kaya ra jud (you can do it). Doubts will always be there, but your time will come.”

As he spends time with loved ones and considers a career path—possibly in government service—Rosario remains grateful to the city of Cebu that provided him with the space to grow.

And in the quiet corners of the Cebu City Public Library, another student may already be following the same path, snacks and fare in hand, discovering that the road to success sometimes begins in the simplest of places.