By: Tom Louis Herrera
📷 Paolo Pascual
San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCA-SOL) conducted the Baccalaureate Mass and the 12th Commencement Exercises last July 24, 2022 at St. Benedict Chapel for the 261 graduates of the Graduating Class of 2022. The event was simultaneously livestreamed via SBCA-SOL Facebook page.
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SBCA Rector-President Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB presided the Baccalaureate Mass at the chapel with the graduates, while the graduates’ families stayed in Manny Reyes Hall to conform with health and safety protocols. After the mass, the graduation march – led by the Class Valedictorian John Roland P. Mabbun and Class Salutatorian Beverly Vyne A. Hautea – followed. Vice Dean Carlo D. Busmente was the Master of Ceremonies and Grand Marshall.
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Rev. Fr. De Villa and Dean Ulpiano “Ulan” P. Sarmiento III awarded the following academic honors and special awards:
- Plaque of Appreciation (Chairperson, Centralized Bar Operations 2021-2022): Christian Boy Benedict R. Tiangco
- Plaque of Appreciation (President, Student Law Government 2021-2022): Juan Carlo L. Santos
- Servant of the Servants of God Award: Natassia Marie S. Tuason and Juan Carlo L. Santos
- Loyalty Award and Academic Distinction: Rhaymund Lorenz M. Gratela
- Class Salutatorian: Beverly Vyne A. Hautea
- Class Valedictorian and Judge Agustin P. Montesa Award: John Roland P. Mabbun
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Dean Marciano “Rocky” G. Delson introduced the commencement speaker, former Vice Dean of SBCA-SOL and the current Chairperson of the Legal Education Board, Hon. Anna Marie Melanie B. Trinidad. Chairperson Trinidad gave her warm congratulations and important reminders to the graduates during her keynote speech.
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“Every graduating class of every field of study has the opportunity to change the world. Therefore, be a statistic for change,” Chairperson Trinidad stated.
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The conferment of Juris Doctor degree and the awarding of diplomas to the graduates followed with Atty. Roben “Jun” B. Cadugo. Jr., SBCA-SOL Administrative Officer, calling the names of the graduates. Thereafter, Ms. Tuason, A.Y. 2021-2022 4th Year Batch Representative, led her batchmates in reciting the Pledge of a Bedan, while Atty. John R. Jacome, SBCA-SOL Professor and Manager of Human Resource Management, led the graduating class in reciting the Alumni Oath.
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The graduation ceremony would not be complete without the message of the beloved Dean Ulan, who expressed valuable insights and learnings for the graduates and thereafter led the singing of the San Beda Hymn.
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“San Beda College Alabang gave you life, made you whole without reservation itself to you. San Beda College School of Law never gave up on you. Your Alma Mater hopefully cultivated the garden of your hearts and soul and planted them with good affections and principles, while as to quote Thomas More, ‘The nettles, briars and other barren weeds of pride and deceptive pleasures were carefully and consistently rooted out,’” Dean Ulan expressed to the graduates.
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Mr. Mabbun, in his Valedictory Address, shared, “We are here and we are part of Class 2022, which I think is full of the most amazing people. It is through our camaraderie that we made San Beda College Alabang – School of Law truly the happiest law school in the world. As we go on in with our lives outside of law school, let us live in accord with the Bedan values we have learned.”
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Truly, the graduates who are now one step closer in achieving their goals amidst the ongoing pandemic are remarkable and inspiring.