Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao

FROM ROCK BOTTOM 🏛️

Khurtz Herbert Q. Gatus once failed calculus, struggled through a thesis re-defense, and questioned whether he was truly meant to become an architect.

Years later, the Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao graduate placed fifth nationwide in the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects with an 88.60% rating.

Khurtz left Kabacan, North Cotabato, to study architecture in Davao City while his father’s health declined following a stroke. His family later moved to Davao so they could share the responsibility of caring for him.

In 2022, Khurtz’s father passed away just months before seeing him graduate. Among the memories he carried was his father proudly calling him their future architect and adding, “God willing.”

College tested him deeply. After a difficult thesis re-defense, Khurtz once cried inside a school restroom and questioned his path. Still, he returned to his work, completed his degree in 2023, finished two years of apprenticeship, and prepared for the licensure examination.

His mother became his greatest source of strength throughout the review. Whenever anxiety overwhelmed him, he returned to a note he had written:

“Let’s get that Architecture license! Sealed by the name of Jesus!”

During the examination, Khurtz experienced intense anxiety, palpitations, and nausea, but he continued answering while praying for strength.

When the results were released on June 26, 2026, he and his mother cried after learning that he had placed fifth nationwide.

Khurtz dedicates the achievement to his mother and late father, as well as his mentors, friends, and supporters.

His journey proves that failure does not determine a student’s final destination.

“GOAL. GRIT. GOD.”

Congratulations, Ar. Khurtz Herbert Q. Gatus, fifth placer in the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects!

IN PHOTOS | A warm welcome to an exciting year as a Mapúan!

Students kicked off the new academic year with First Day Fest, a celebration filled with energy, camaraderie, and the vibrant Mapúan spirit.

Held for students both onsite and online, with the program streamed live via Microsoft Teams for remote participants, the event brought everyone together to celebrate new beginnings and reconnect with the Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) community.

Here's to a school year filled with meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, and opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

IN PHOTOS | One community, one beginning, countless possibilities.

Parents and incoming high school students gathered for the Hyflex High School Orientation on July 20, 2026, to take their first step into the Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) experience.

Held onsite at the R.G. Birrey Building and online via Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the orientation introduced attendees to the Hybrid Learning experience, the new Senior High School Pathway Careers, student support services, and the diverse student organizations and clubs they can be part of throughout their academic journey.

Thank you to all our parents and future Mapúans for joining us. We look forward to seeing you thrive in a community where learning and involvement go hand in hand.