In the pursuit of engineering with purpose, Lara Isobel “Dasha” Valladolid has reached a defining milestone of ranking Top One in the Sanitary Engineering Computer-Based Licensure Examination. Her story is a testament to quiet determination, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.
Balancing work and study, Dasha Valladolid topped the Sanitary Engineering Computer-Based Licensure Examination while pursuing her career at First Balfour.
From Bridges to Boards
A graduate of Mapúa University, she earned a double degree in civil engineering and environmental and sanitary engineering (CESE), graduating cum laude and as class valedictorian in 2021. Her thesis, “A Sustainable Integrated Desalination Treatment System for Potable Water in Coastal Areas in Donsol, Sorsogon,” was awarded best thesis in CESE, reflecting her early commitment to sustainability and community impact.
Dasha joined First Balfour in October 2023 through the Junior Management Training Program (JMTP), a development initiative that gives young engineers the opportunity to gain practical experience across different roles and project sites. As part of her rotation, she started as a Planning Engineer and later transitioned to Cost Engineer for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, a joint venture with JFE Engineering Corporation that aims to strengthen two of Metro Manila’s major bridges, the Lambingan and Guadalupe Bridges. The experience gave her firsthand exposure to the complexities of infrastructure work, while the JMTP provided a structured environment for learning and growth—nurturing the early careers of many engineers who now contribute to the company’s critical projects.
Dasha was recognized during the recent Head Office Toolbox Talk on 2 September 2025 for topping the licensure exam.
Even while working full-time on a high-impact infrastructure project, Dasha remained committed to her long-held dream of becoming a licensed Sanitary Engineer. She had already passed the Civil Engineering (CE) Licensure Examination in April 2023, but for her, the journey was far from over. “Sanitary Engineering is my dream program and dream career,” she shares. “I took the CE board exam first, then started working already, but I always knew I would one day take the Sanitation Engineering board exam.”
With limited time after work, Dasha joined an online review center, studied late into the night, and eventually returned to her hometown, Sorsogon City, to concentrate fully on her review. “The review process was like a mental marathon. You really need to be resilient and disciplined. You have to give yourself grace, allow yourself to learn, struggle, and grow through the process,” she added.
A Journey of Growth
Looking back on her journey, Dasha credits First Balfour for shaping her mindset and character throughout the process. “First Balfour really helped me become more resilient and adaptable. It taught me how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances and to keep moving forward no matter what. First Balfour also gave me the confidence to trust myself—or at least to trust that these difficulties are temporary—and that perseverance always leads to growth,” she expressed.
Carrying the Mission Forward
For Dasha, topping the licensure exam is not just a personal achievement but a way to strengthen her commitment to First Balfour’s mission. She explains, “Professionally, this is a huge step toward realizing my lifelong dream of contributing to the protection of our environment. I have always wanted to be part of projects that have a significant impact on preserving the environment and safeguarding public health, and this achievement has equipped me with the knowledge and credentials to do so more effectively.”
With this milestone, Dasha moves forward not only as a licensed engineer but as someone driven by purpose—ready to contribute her skills toward building a more sustainable future.
