After 17 attempts, 33-year-old teacher passes the LET

For 12 years, Leonel Martos Mabaquiao refused to let go of his dream, enduring one failure after another until his determination finally earned him the title of licensed teacher.

At the age of 33, Mabaquiao successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) after 17 attempts. The Cadiz City native’s journey became a powerful story of resilience, faith, and patience in the face of repeated setbacks.

He graduated from Philippine Normal University–Visayas in 2010 with a Bachelor of Elementary Education, driven by one goal — to become a professional teacher. In March of the same year, he took the LET for the very first time, unaware that the road ahead would challenge not only his knowledge but also his endurance and belief in himself.

Over the years, he traveled countless times to testing centers in Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod, carrying with him the same hope of finally achieving his dream. Each attempt brought both anticipation and disappointment as success continued to elude him.

“I started taking the LET in 2010, and through all the attempts, I learned that perseverance and faith were the only things keeping me going,” he shared.

Every failed exam came with emotional pain, financial struggles, and moments of self-doubt, especially when he saw others achieve what he had long been fighting for.

“Failing repeatedly was emotionally exhausting and sometimes humiliating, especially when people around me were already passing,” Mabaquiao admitted.

Despite the hardships, he never abandoned his dream. Instead, his sense of responsibility deepened as he began building a family of his own.

“When I started my own family, I felt even more determined to succeed,” he said.

Faith became his anchor during the most difficult times. One unforgettable moment for him was visiting Lupit Church in Bacolod, where he found comfort and peace while preparing for another attempt.

“I kept praying and trusting God because I believed His perfect timing would come,” he said.

After 17 attempts and more than a decade of perseverance, his long-awaited victory finally arrived in March 2022 when his sister encouraged him to check the exam results.

“When I found my name on the list, I cried, ran, and immediately thanked God because all the sacrifices were finally worth it,” he recalled.

Today, the man who once struggled to pass the exam now serves as a proctor for LET, CSC, and NAPOLCOM examinations.

Now 37 years old, Mabaquiao continues to inspire others with his remarkable journey. In 2025, he reached another milestone after earning a promotion to Teacher III — proof that persistence and faith can eventually lead to success.

Through his story and the encouragement he gives to others, Mabaquiao continues to share a message shaped by years of perseverance:

“Never give up, because God’s timing is always perfect.”