From Prison to Purpose: Detainee Who Finished Engineering in Jail Earns Four PRC Licenses

 

MANILA, Philippines — At just 27 years old, Daniel Villamor Quisa-ot of Don Carlos, Bukidnon has turned one of the darkest chapters of his life into a powerful story of resilience, faith, and redemption.

In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Quisa-ot shared how he transformed his time behind bars into a foundation for purpose and success. Once a DOST scholar, Dean’s Lister, and recognized quizzer and math wizard, his promising academic journey was abruptly disrupted after a legal case led to his imprisonment.

“I had a smooth life before. I grew up in a Christian community,” Quisa-ot recalled. “When I was imprisoned, I felt like there was no more hope. Kahit mabait na bata ako, bilanggo lang pala ang ending ko. Pero nagpatuloy ako.”

Despite his detention, Quisa-ot was granted permission to complete his final semester at Central Mindanao University, where he also worked on his engineering thesis while inside jail. Although his grades suffered during incarceration—costing him Latin honors—his resolve remained unshaken.

“From incarceration to inspiration,” he said. “I finished my engineering degree inside a jail cell, worked on my thesis under the hardest circumstances, and never stopped believing.”

Trials, Loss, and Board Exams

After nearly two years in prison, Quisa-ot was released—only to face another devastating blow. Just a week later, his father, who had been bedridden due to stage 4 colon cancer, passed away.

Determined to honor his family and dreams, Quisa-ot took a bold step by filing for both the Electrical Engineer and Master Electrician licensure examinations in 2021—without attending formal review classes.

“If I can’t pass one, the other will give me hope,” he shared. “Pag-uwi ko, sinabi ko sa mama ko, ‘Ma, magiging engineer man ako o hindi, anak mo pa rin ako.’”

By what he describes as God’s grace, Quisa-ot passed both examinations. He later earned two more professional licenses: Registered Master Plumber in 2023 and Certified Plant Mechanic in 2024—bringing his total PRC licenses to four.

A Life of Purpose

Today, Quisa-ot serves as an Electrical Engineer II in a government institution. He is also a frequent motivational speaker at graduations and engineering events, where he shares his journey to inspire aspiring professionals.

“Trust God’s timeline,” he advises future board examinees. “Prepare well, but always anchor yourself in faith.”

Looking ahead, Quisa-ot hopes his story will reach an even wider audience.

“Kahit suntok sa buwan, I dream of having a movie about my real-life story—with me as the actor—to inspire others,” he said.

Grateful for every blessing—from his home and car to the opportunity to uplift others—Quisa-ot believes his life is a testament to perseverance and divine timing.

“The road to success isn’t always straight,” he said, “but it’s always worth it when you keep pushing.”