By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU-COL Dean, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila (left), CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (center), presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Congressman Lorenz R. Defensor (right) after his inspirational speech at the CPU-COL Thanksgiving and Testimonial Dinner.
On February 28, 2025, the Central Philippine University-College of Law (CPU-COL) hosted its annual Thanksgiving and Testimonial Dinner. The celebration, held at Sams 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, brought together CPU Administrators, CPU-COL Faculty & Staff, alumni, students, invited guests, and new Centralian Lawyers who passed the recent #BarNiJLo2024.
The event began with an opening prayer led by Atty. Laurence Susan P. Ortiz, CPU-COL Professor, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, CPU-COL Dean delivered her welcome and greetings.
“Tonight, we honor not only the success of our new Centralian lawyers but also the journey that has shaped them into legal professional that they are today. Their achievements serve as encouragement to the incoming Centralian Bar examinees who are also gathered here tonight. To our newly minted lawyers, congratulations! Your hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith have brought you to the realization of your dreams – to become a lawyer,” Atty. Endonila said.
Afterward, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy also extended his congratulatory message. In his speech, he emphasized that their success was not only a result of their hard work but also the love, prayers, and unwavering support from their parents, family members, and loved ones.
CPU-COL Faculty & Staff, CPU Administrators, new Centralian Lawyers, Congressman Lorenz R. Defensor, and Mayor Suzette A. Mamon gather for a photo opportunity during the Thanksgiving and Testimonial Dinner at Sams 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.
“As you embark on your legal career, remember that you’re entering a field that plays a foundational role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and promoting fairness. The legal profession needs more lawyers like you, and I am confident that the training you have received from Central Philippine University, where we meld Scientia et Fides,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy added.
Following the inspiring messages, Mayor Suzette A. Mamon of the Municipality of Badiangan, a former member of the CPU-COL faculty, had the honor of introducing the distinguished guest speaker, Congressman Lorenz R. Defensor, the Representative of the 3rd District of the Province of Iloilo.
In his message, Congressman Defensor reflected on his journey before entering law school and the days leading up to his Bar Exam. He shared how his experiences in the legal field shaped his growth, teaching him valuable lessons that humility goes well with experience. “Make sure that you carry in your practice and in your heart the pursuit of the rule of law. How we approach and dispense justice affects the confidence of people in our justice system—that not only the rich can afford justice. Justice should be afforded to everyone, as long as you are in the right and have the law on your side.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the heartfelt responses shared on behalf of the new Centralian Lawyers. Atty. Charles Vincent L. Saclauso, Atty. Sherlene Joy C. Aquita, and Atty. Napholion C. Facunla took the stage to reflect on their journeys and offer words of gratitude and inspiration. Each shared their personal experiences, highlighting the challenges they faced and the moments of determination that led them to their success.
The ceremony continued with the conferral of tokens to the new Centralian Lawyers, led by CPU-COL Dean, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, and CPU-COL Assistant Dean, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia.
Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila, Pastor of Campus Ministry at the University Church, then led the dedicatory prayer. The ceremony continued with the singing of the CPU Alma Mater song, and concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Dean, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia.