By Vhee-Jei M. Bringas/THE RED CHRONICLES
Layout by Lynden Alyanna Valenzuela/THE RED CHRONICLES
Photos by AJ D. Rodriguez (Features Writer-Photographer Emeritus) & Sage Rainelle Lingatong
MUNTINLUPA, PH—“When the Court sought and set up standards for schools that would serve as the National Headquarters of the Bar Exams 2023, only one school stood out – and that is San Beda College Alabang,” said Associate Justice and Bar 2023 Chairperson Ramon Paul Hernando in his speech during the unveiling of the Historical Marker of the Bar 2023 Headquarters.
On March 12, 2024, the Supreme Court unveiled the historical marker for San Beda College Alabang, which served as the National Headquarters of the Bar 2023 Examinations. The School of Law students, faculty, and administration, joined by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando and Justice Mario Lopez, along with the Supreme Court staff, particularly the Hernando team, attended the event.
The program started with a prayer led by the SOL Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III, followed by the singing of the Supreme Court’s hymn.
Vice Dean Carlo Busmente extended a warm Benedictine welcome, while Sam Cruz, the overall SBCA-CBO Chairperson, delivered opening remarks and handed over the ceremony to the Supreme Court.
After a while, the Supreme Court took over the podium, and a special video documentary produced by The Red Chronicles, headed by its own Editor-in-Chief, Joseph Napoleon Matienzo, highlighted the event that compiled and retold the Bar Exam 2023 story and journey of the 2023 #HernandDoIt Bar Takers, which was held in the SBCA.
Afterwards, Justice Hernando delivered his message and complimented the school for going beyond the expectations of the Supreme Court and being the best National Headquarters that helped the Hernando Team in the effective and successful conduct of the 2023 Bar Examinations.
“It has been about six months since the successful conclusion of the 2023 bar examinations. For the oldies, you would remember that at this time of the year [where] the examinees are still waiting for the results of the bar examinations. But here we are, three months into the Oath Taking on December 22, 2023. What seemed like an insurmountable undertaking at first, became a brilliant and inspiring 2023. Thanks to everyone’s collective and hard-earned efforts, most especially to the Bedan community here today. Indeed, San Beda College Alabang lives up to and holds to its moniker as the happiest law school in the universe!” stated Justice Hernando.
In a lighthearted moment, Justice Hernando jokingly asked 2024 Bar Chair, Justice Mario Lopez, to consider SBCA again as the National Headquarters for the 2024 Bar. Afterward, together with Justice Lopez, Fr. De Villa and Dean Ulan, the historical marker was unveiled, which reads:
The National Headquarters of the Supreme Court of the Philippines for the 2023 Bar Examinations, San Beda College Alabang, served as the National Headquarters of the Supreme Court and one of the local testing centers during the 2023 Bar Examinations, functioning as a vital cog in the digitalized and regionalized Philippine Bar Examinations and an emblem of warm, genuine generosity and heeding the call for public service. The Supreme Court forever holds the support, cooperation, and benevolence of San Beda College Alabang in the highest regard.
Afterwards, Apriline Guevarra, a SOL student, serenaded the crowd with her angelic voice during her intermission number. Thereafter, an insightful message was delivered by Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, Rector-President.
“I feel honored as a Bedan because I was able to witness SBCA’s journey both as a student and as a volunteer. I say that [SBCA’s] acceptance of the historical marker is another testament to its service to our country,” said Angelou Sta. Juana, first-year SOL and a member of the VolCorps.
The Supreme Court and SBCA administration, faculty, and staff processioned the marker and put it on the first floor of the St. Maur Building. The event ended with a celebration in Manny Reyes Hall for the successful unveiling of the historical marker.