By Vhee-Jei M. Bringas | The Red Chronicles
San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCA-SOL) welcomed its alumni in its 20th Grand Alumni Homecoming held at the St. Maur Auditorium last January 17, 2025.
Through the 20th Founding Anniversary, the school acknowledged distinct legal luminaries as awardees, which made the Bedan legacy radiantly blazing through the years.
The Bedan Service and Excellence Award is composed of six segments, such as the Award for Judicial Excellence, Legislation, Public Service, and Education.
SBCA SOL bestowed the Award for Judicial Excellence to Judge Thea Gicela C. Nueve-Zamora, Judge Karen Christine S. Red-Lock, and Judge Analyn F. Banzuela. The Award for Legislation was given to Hon. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag, 1st District of Laguna-City of San Pedro representative in the 19th Congress of the Philippines.
As for the Award for Public Service, it was vested to Asec. Jekereen Joy R. Casipit, the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator III at the Office of Civil Defense, and Director Tara Triztina C. Rama, Director III at the Government Assistance and Subsidies Office (GASO) of the Department of Education. For the final category, the Award for Education was bestowed to Atty. John R. Jacome, the Executive Director and Spokesperson of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA).
In honor of their unparalleled service to the academe and to the studentry, the Dedicated Service to San Beda was awarded to Prefect Ma. Eliza Camille B. Yamamoto-Santos, Administrative Officer Roben B. Cadugo Jr., and Human Resources Manager John R. Jacome.
In addition, the Bedan Teaching Service Award was vested to Atty. Rodolfo Q. Aquino, LL,M., Atty. Dawna Fya O. Bandiola, Atty. Roben B. Cadugo Jr., Dr. Edwin L. Dimatatac, Atty. John R. Jacome, Atty. Rafael Angelo M. Padilla, LL,M., Atty. Jonalyn Porquez, Atty. Gerald Sergio, LL,M., and Atty. Ma. Eliza Camille B. Yamamoto-Santos.
For their steadfast commitment to social justice, human rights, and service to the marginalized sector, Rene. A.V. Saguisag Award for Legal Aid Service was given to Atty. Ma. Criselda A. Anonuevo, Atty. Blas Joshua C. Cordova, and Atty. John Kenneth Laurence A. Gonzales.
For the second portion of the event, the 2024 Bar Thanksgiving and Testimonial was deemed part of the festivities.
Atty. Natassia Tuason, as the representative of Batch 2023, passed the lit ceremonial candle to Atty. Dante Castillo, the representative of Batch 2024.
The School of Law Classes of 2009 and 2010, the pioneering batches of the institution, sponsored the event.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando attended the event as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Guest Speaker. Justice Hernando quoted the former Senator of the United States, George McGovern, in his speech, “Come home to the affirmation that we dream. Come home to the conviction that we can move our country forward.”