by Gian Carla Guido and Tom Louis Herrera
Last 25 July 2021, San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCA-SOL) conducted its 11th Commencement Exercises. The ceremony was conducted partially on-site at St. Benedict Chapel, SBCA, and online via Zoom and via livestream through SBCA’s official Facebook page. This was in compliance with COVID-19 health protocols.
The program began with the Baccalaureate Mass, presided by SBCA Rector-President Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB. The mass included a Thanksgiving Prayer opened by Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III and led by students of the SOL community.
This year’s graduates then took a trip down memory lane as they watched a congratulatory video dedicated to and featuring their class.
Atty. Carlo Busmente, SBCA-SOL Prefect of Student Affairs, opened the ceremony by introducing the Class of 2021. The Class of 2021 was led by Class Valedictorian Joanna Marie Barrozo, followed by Class Salutatorian Franchezka Mae Celis, and then the rest of the graduates. The batch is composed of 159 graduates–91 women and 68 men. Atty. Busmente also recognized the efforts and contributions of the graduates’ families and loved ones to the success of the Class of 2021.
Ms. Visimar Mores of the SBCA Office of the Registrar convened the Commencement Exercises. Thereafter, the Dean and the Rector-President presented the Special Awards. Juan Carlo Santos, School of Law Government (SLG) President for A.Y. 2020-2021 was given The Plaque of Appreciation. Class Valedictorian Joanna Marie Barrozo was also awarded the Judge Agustin P. Montesa Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Law Graduate
Ceasar Jan P. Entila, former Editor-in-Chief of The Red Chronicles (Volume 12), was given the Loyalty Award. This year’s Salutatorian, Franchezka Mae Celis also served as Features writer of the School of Law’s official student publication.
Vice Dean Atty. Anna Marie Melanie Trinidad introduced this year’s commencement speaker, Honorable Justice Japar Dimaampao. The well-accomplished and multi-awarded Honorable Justice is also known to be the youngest magistrate to have been appointed to the Court of Appeals.
Justice Dimaampao heeded the call of the academe, dedicating himself to teaching his favorite subjects and fields of expertise: Civil Law, Commercial Law, and Taxation. Other than in the School of Law, he also teaches at San Beda University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Sebastian College, University of the East, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas, Department of Shari’ah and Islamic Jurisprudence, Philippine Judicial Academy, and Magnificus Bar Review Center. He also authored several taxation law books and bar review books.
“As you practice your legal profession, be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This was the closing message of Justice Dimaampao to SBCA-SOL Class of 2021. Afterwards, Dean Sarmiento presented and awarded the Plaque of Appreciation to the honorable guest speaker.
Class Salutatorian Franchezka Mae S. Celis lead the Petition for Conferment of Degree while Dean Sarmiento and Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB announced the formal conferment of the Degree of Juris Doctor to the graduates of Class of 2021. The announcement of the names of all graduates followed.
Joanna Marie Barrozo, in her valedictory address, invited her fellow graduates to work together even in times of uncertainties and urged that “as Bedan Red Lions, together let us roar, together let us dominate the Bar, and together let us make this world a better place to live in, for San Beda, for our Country and for our God.”
Caesar Jan P. Entila, Loyalty Awardee, lead the Pledge of a Bedan, while Atty. John R. Jacome administered the Alumni Oath. Finally, Dean Sarmiento delivered an inspirational message and words of wisdom for the graduates and led the singing of the Bedan Hymn, to conclude the SBCA-SOL Commencement Exercises. Indeed, Bedan Pride soared high that afternoon as SOL Batch 2021 took their final victory laps, both actual and remotely as Bedan students. Tomorrow and in the days to come, their mettle will be tested as they embark on their preparations for the 2021 Bar Exams. Armed and equipped with the knowledge and wisdom imparted by the SOL’s esteemed faculty and the teachings of Ora et Labora, SOL Batch 2021, is sure to conquer the Bar, fearing neither fire nor blood.
Congratulations, SOL Batch 2021!