By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Members of the Senior Law Order of Kalantiao, the CPU–College of Law Provincial Student Council, faculty, staff, and honored guests took a photo opportunity during the Law Night and Testimonial Dinner held on March 7, 2026, at the Ann Margaret Ballroom of Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

On March 7, 2026, the Central Philippine University – College of Law (CPU-COL) held its annual Law Night and Testimonial Dinner at the Ann Margaret Ballroom of Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, anchored on the theme “Beneath the Waves: The Tides of Justice.”

The program opened with a prayer led by Leonard O. Nosnosan, a JD-3 student, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Danielah Elaine S. Callar. CPU-COL Dean Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila then delivered the welcome remarks.

“Thank you for gracing this evening and sharing this special celebration with the Central Philippine University – College of Law family,” she said. In her message, she noted that the event serves as a special moment for the law school community to set aside cases, rest from demanding schedules, and pause from endless questions, simply to celebrate.

“To our new lawyers, congratulations! You have done what many of the students here hope to do. You survived law school, faced the bar examinations, and emerged victorious,” she added.

Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan of the Supreme Court of the Philippines delivered an inspiring message as guest speaker, encouraging new lawyers to be officers the court can trust, guardians the law deserves, and champions of the people’s needs.

She also commended them for their dedication throughout their years in law school, noting that they are no longer students but now colleagues in the legal profession. “Allow me to say something which we probably did not say enough during your law school years – salamat. Thank you for trusting your professors, even during times when we pushed you a little too hard, or perhaps many times, far too hard. If there were moments when the recitations seemed impossible, the exams seemed unbearable, or the comments a little too direct, please accept our apologies.”

She further shared that there were times when recitations might have felt more like cross-examinations than classroom discussions but emphasized that the goal had always been to prepare them to become lawyers.

After her remarks, Atty. Liza Lyn Lamason-Garcia, CPU-COL Assistant Dean, then introduced the guest speaker, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

In his message, Associate Justice Gaerlan mentioned one by one the 46 Centralian lawyers who passed the 2025 Bar Examination, a moment many described as rare, as a member of the highest court personally recognized the passers.

“The sea of law is deep and sometimes merciless. For sure, there were waves of self-doubt and exhaustion that crashed against you. But you see, waves, no matter how relentless, do not last forever. Tonight is a testament to how you successfully held your course,” he said as he commended them.

“The real voyage begins now. Wherever your path takes you, hold fast to these three ideals: be officers the court can trust, be guardians the law deserves, and be champions to the people’s need,” he added.

A certificate and token of appreciation were then presented to Associate Justice Gaerlan by Atty. Endonila and Atty. Lamason-Garcia, assisted by John Denver Alayon, Chairperson of the CPU–Senior Law Order of Kalantiao (CPU OK), and Hanna Alexandrea C. Tabita, Governor of the College of Law Provincial Student Council.

Atty. Alexander D. Dumpa, LL.M., Commissioner III representing the Law Students’ Sector of the Legal Education Board, delivered an insightful message emphasizing that law school is not only about memorizing provisions but about developing discipline, critical thinking, and character needed in the legal profession.

The program continued with the recognition of the new lawyers and a pictorial session. The prayer before the meal was led by Esther Joy S. Tomugdan, CPU OK Vice Chair for Finance.

During dinner, an intermission number was performed by JD1C student Maria Monica Espinosa-Pinzon and JD4 student Kim F. Gumban (duet); JD1A student Ma. Lourdes Dayuha; JD1B student Ron Michael Loyola; JD2 student Mar Key John Sultan; and JD3 student Leonard O. Nosnosan.

Afterward, Tabita introduced another guest speaker, Atty. Alexander D. Dumpa, LL.M., Commissioner III representing the Law Students’ Sector of the Legal Education Board.

In his message, Atty. Dumpa shared that the event’s theme presents a powerful image in portraying the legal journey.

“You have to understand that law school is not just about parroting provisions; it is about mastering the spirit and wisdom of these provisions. It is about learning how to think clearly under pressure. It is about training your mind to analyze carefully, your voice to speak responsibly, and your character to stand firm,” he said.

He added that there will be days when everything seems to crash down, when readings and recitations feel endless, expectations heavy, and the pace relentless, until the feeling of helplessness sets in. He also shared that when he passed the 2023 Bar Examinations, the first thought that came to his mind was that he no longer needed to read about Taxation.

“Every case you struggle to understand strengthens your reasoning, every correction from a professor sharpens your discipline, every difficult recitation builds character, and every setback teaches humility,” he emphasized.

A certificate and token of appreciation were then presented to Atty. Dumpa by Atty. Endonila and Atty. Lamason-Garcia, assisted by Alayon and Tabita.

The program continued with a response from the new lawyers delivered by Atty. Marian L. Garcia and Atty. Mayell Faith G. Escanlar. This was followed by the Mr. and Ms. CPU Law Night 2026 segment and raffle draws.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Alayon, followed by the presentation of the same-day edit video and the awarding of Mr. and Ms. CPU Law Night 2026.