By Kim Ramos
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
San Beda College Alabang – School of Law held its 13th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Tugade Auditorium in Our Lady of Montserrat Building to officially confer the Juris Doctor degree to 233 Bedan students. The ceremony was also streamed via Facebook Live.
“The preparations for the commencement exercises gave us a lot of pressure because we know that it’s one of, if not the most important event of the year,” said commissioner Angela Sevilla.
Vice Dean Carlo Busmente delivered his opening remarks, emphasizing the grit of the graduates in pursuing their dream of becoming a lawyer and the unwavering dedication of the law professors in honing the prowess and dispositions of these graduates. In addition, he also highlighted the sacrifices of their families, relatives, and friends in giving an extra push for their goals.
The program proceeded with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the awarding of academic honors and special awards.
Marielle L. Ricohermoso attained the title of Class Valedictorian while Miguel Carlos P. Pangilinan earned the title of Class Salutatorian. William Karol Benedict W. Bilar, on the other hand, received the Loyalty Award. The Special award went to Jon Mayette M. Salacup as the President of the School of Law Government for A.Y. 2022-2023 and Kathleen L. Capulong as the Chairperson of the Centralized Bar Operations for A.Y. 2022.
Thereafter, Eloisa Buño and Nona Guiam presented the gift of batch 2023 to the Bedan Community. It is a book entitled Benediction, composed of collations of the classroom’s daily prayer that reflects their aspirations and visions. The prayers will eventually stir the graduates into the right path of their journey in accordance with Bedan values.
Photo by Juris Le Compte/THE RED CHRONICLES
Afterward, Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento vested the 4th Orbaz Budi Award to Atty. Luigi Nico M. Reyes for placing 7th in the 2022 Philippine Bar examination. The Orbaz Budi means “Be thou an example”. Atty. Reyes set a perfect precedent for law students on how to conquer the challenges and to be firm in our position to attain our goal of becoming true Bedan lawyers. After receiving the award, Atty. Reyes also gave his inspiring insights to the class of 2023.
“What you have right now is an opportunity, an opportunity to show the world how great you are. Do not be afraid, rather be excited. Embrace the struggle, overcome the next challenge, that is hurdling the bar exams,” Atty. Reyes said during his acceptance speech.
Subsequently, Atty. Ma. Eliza B. Yamamoto-Santos introduced the commencement speaker who was none other than Justice Wilhelmina B. Jorge-Wagan. Justice Wagan is a lecturer and part of the criminal law department of the Philippine Judicial Academy. She is also a professor at both San Beda University and San Beda College Alabang School of Law, handling Remedial law subjects. A proud Bedan alumna, she is currently holding the position of Associate Justice in the Court of Appeals.
After the presentation of graduands and conferment of the degree, Marielle L. Ricohermoso, the class valedictorian, made a remarkable address to her batchmates with regard to the significant role of a lawyer in society. Marielle was also a Legal Management major during her college days.
“Our role as lawyers is more than to serve our own self-interest. We have the privilege and the responsibility to contribute to the community and help make this world a better place to live in,” Marielle Ricohermoso said during her Valedictory Address.
Dean Ulan made a farewell message to the graduating class and one of the focuses of his speech is about the happiness around us. That no matter how difficult our chosen path is, we can always bring happiness along the way.