Philippines Earthquake Update (April 29, 2026): Eastern Samar Quake Triggers Nationwide Alert and Online Surge April 29, 2026 | Philippines — Latest Earthquake News & Updates A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Eastern Samar early Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026, prompting widespread concern across the country and driving a surge in online searches related to seismic activity in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake occurred at approximately 6:58 AM (PST) with a depth of nearly 96 kilometers , classifying it as an intermediate-depth quake linked to subduction along the Philippine Trench . This image is AI-Generated. Where the Earthquake Was Felt Despite its offshore epicenter, the tremor was felt across multiple regions: Parts of Eastern Visayas , including Northern Samar and Leyte Light shaking reported as far as the Bicol Region Instrumental intensity reached Intensity IV in some areas Authorities ...
PRC Releases April 2026 Electrical Engineering Board Exam Results: UP Diliman Grad Leads New Batch of Professionals
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has officially released the results of the April 2026 Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) and Registered Master Electrician (RME) licensure examinations. Published on April 28, 2026, just three working days after the final testing date, the results highlight a new wave of technical talent entering the Philippine energy sector during a period of rapid infrastructure and power development
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| 2026 Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination Results. The image is AI-Generated |
Overview of Performance Metrics
The April 2026 cycle produced a combined total of 4,262 new practitioners, reflecting the continued demand for electrical professionals nationwide. Despite strong participation, passing rates showed a slight dip compared to previous cycles—underscoring the rigorous standards maintained by the Board of Electrical Engineering.
| Licensure Category | Total Examinees | Total Passers | Passing % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) | 6,556 | 3,769 | 57.49% |
| Registered Master Electrician (RME) | 882 | 493 | 55.90% |
| Technical Evaluation for PEE (Upgrading) | 75 | 75 | 100.00% |
Source: Official PRC announcements, April 2026
Individual Excellence: The 2026 Topnotchers
Academic excellence stood out across multiple institutions. John Veluz Labrador of University of the Philippines Diliman topped the REE board exam with an impressive 94.25% rating.
In the RME category, Adrian Buenaobra Baconawa from Southern Luzon State University Lucban secured first place with 89.00%. Notably, the RME rankings saw a five-way tie for third place, highlighting the competitive depth of this year’s examinees.
Top 5 Registered Electrical Engineers
John Veluz Labrador (UP Diliman) – 94.25%
Carl Aeron Rodriguez Gallardo (Tarlac State University) – 93.70%
Wilson Egmillan Binamira Jr. (USTP-CDO) – 93.50%
Jude Noel Penkian Jarina (Cebu Institute of Technology – University) – 93.30%
Mark Jhon Entia Gera (Cebu Technological University–Tuburan) – 93.20%
Institutional Performance: Leading Engineering Schools
Top-performing schools once again demonstrated academic excellence. University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) led institutions with 50+ examinees, posting an outstanding 98.15% passing rate.
Other standout institutions included:
University of Batangas – 94.81%
Pangasinan State University Urdaneta – 94.12%
For smaller cohorts (20–29 examinees), Technological University of the Philippines Manila topped the list with a 95.24% passing rate.
Professional Upgrading and Global Impact
Beyond entry-level licensure, the PRC confirmed that 75 engineers passed the Technical Evaluation for upgrading to Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE) status.
This evaluation process—covering technical reports and oral assessments—was conducted in:
Manila
Doha
Dubai
The international venues highlight the growing footprint of Filipino engineers in global infrastructure and energy projects.
Next Steps for Successful Examinees
Registration: Passers must register via the Licensure Examination and Registration Information System (LERIS) starting June 15, 2026.
Requirements: Prepare the Oath Form, Notice of Admission (NOA), passport-sized photos (with name tag), and documentary stamps.
Professional Oath: All new professionals must sign the official roster to formalize their registration.
Looking Ahead: September 2026 Exam Schedule
The PRC has also announced the next examination cycle:
REE Exam Dates: September 5–6, 2026
RME Exam Date: September 7, 2026
Filing Deadline: August 12, 2026
Target Release Date: September 10, 2026
Expanded testing centers will include underserved regions such as:
Batanes
Antique
Dumaguete
This move aims to improve accessibility and encourage broader participation in professional certification across the country.