Philippines – From hauling steel and gravel just to survive, Nadzer Casan Abbas has risen as a powerful symbol of perseverance, proving that faith, patience, and sacrifice still lead to triumph.
Before emerging as the Top 1 passer of the October 2025 Foresters Licensure Examination (FLE), Abbas grew up in extreme poverty in Davao City, carrying adult responsibilities long before his time.
Once a construction worker, now a board exam topnotcher, Abbas recalled how hardship defined his early years. After their home was destroyed by a flood, his family was forced to seek refuge in a church, where they lived for nearly a year before starting over.
Abbas shared how every struggle became a stepping stone toward success.
“Growing up, there were days when we couldn’t afford three meals,” he said. “But Alhamdulillah, help always came when we needed it.”
As a child, he sold fruits and paper bags at the public market to help support his family. During high school, he took on physically demanding jobs—working as a porter, crate maker, and laborer—learning resilience the hard way.
“I did all of that just to survive,” Abbas said, recalling challenges few children should ever endure.
His college years at the University of Mindanao (UM) were no easier, as financial struggles continued to threaten his education.
“Forestry wasn’t my original choice,” he admitted. “But I was inspired by Gina Lopez and her deep commitment to environmental protection.”
With limited means, Abbas depended on student aid programs while juggling academic demands and daily survival.
The pandemic forced him to pause his studies for a year, pushing him into full-time work as a construction steelman.
“That period nearly broke me,” he said, “but it also made me stronger.”
Even while working, he attended online classes during breaks, proving that determination does not stop even in the harshest conditions.
When restrictions were lifted, Abbas took on various jobs, including product sampling assistant and mascot, traveling across Mindanao to earn a living.
He also attempted to enter the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), passing both the entrance and physical examinations, but falling short in the next stage.
“I believe that was Allah’s plan,” he said, choosing instead to fully focus on Forestry.
To sustain himself, Abbas accepted art commissions and relied on family support, gradually rebuilding his confidence and sense of purpose.
For months, he reviewed intensely—answering up to 500 questions a day despite fatigue and moments of doubt.
“There were times I wanted to give up,” he admitted, “but prayer always brought me back.”
When the results were finally released, Abbas was praying inside a mosque when his father rushed in with the news.
“I ran home in tears and embraced my mother,” he said, still overwhelmed by the moment.
Now serving as a university instructor, Abbas dreams of supporting his family, pursuing graduate studies, and contributing to environmental conservation.
Guided by the belief that “with hardship comes ease,” he continues to turn sacrifice into a lasting legacy of hope and success.
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