By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Proud moments during the CPU-College of Law Commencement Exercises of Class 2024.

On July 22, 2024, the Central Philippine University-College of Law held its annual commencement exercises for class 2024. The event, held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, marked a significant achievement in conferring 31 graduates with their Juris Doctor degrees.

Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Associate Pastor of the University Church, led the invocation, which was then followed by the singing of the national anthem. Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President, warmly welcomed the graduates, their parents, families, and loved ones. He also acknowledged the presence of this year’s commencement speaker, Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

CPU-College of Law Commencement Speaker, Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

“We are proud of you, and we are excited for all you will accomplish in the years ahead. For the benefit of your fellow human beings, the welfare of our country, and the entire world, and for God’s glory, honor, and praise,” Dr. Dagohoy said.

Atty. Suzette A. Mamon, Mayor of the Municipality of Badiangan, Iloilo, introduced this year’s commencement speaker. Atty. Mamon said in her introductory message that Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh is a career jurist who has served at all levels of the judicial hierarchy. Justice Singh practiced law for 10 years before she joined the Judiciary in October 2002 as the Presiding Judge of Branch 31 of the Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City. After that, she was appointed as the Executive Judge of the MeTC-Quezon City and served for two terms. In June 2007, she got promoted to the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City as Presiding Judge of Branch 85. Additionally, on May 18, 2022, Justice Singh took her oath before Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as the 194th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Congratulations, CPU-COL graduates of Class 2024! To God be the glory!

During Justice Singh’s speech, she emphasized that the commencement exercise is a chance for the graduates to reflect on the journey they have taken and the perfect occasion to remind them of the purpose they took on this journey. She also shared her experiences when she was in law school and the challenges she overcame after she took her oath. “Pursue your dreams, but never forget that you must be ruled by the law and guided by your ethical values. Never lose sight of your goals. Remember that not all the money in the world can buy you a good name and reputation. It is the best legacy you can leave behind,” she said.

She also highlighted the values of integrity, compassion, and resilience in the legal profession and inspired the graduates to uphold such values as they embark on their careers. “The true power of legal education lies in how you choose to apply it. It is my sincerest wish that all of you choose to apply it not just with dedication but with integrity. Integrity, to me, is the most precious commodity in the whole world,” Justice Singh added.

Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Dean of the CPU-COL, presented the candidates for graduation. It was then followed by the conferral of graduates and the investiture of hoods led by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, assisted by Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence B. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Enterprises; Atty. Aila Rae Endonila; and Ms. Charissa June G. Deocampo, CPU Registrar.

Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, administered the commissioning. Afterwards, Atty. Jeremy Bionat, CPUAAI President, led the Alumni Pledge, followed by the singing of the CPU Alma Mater song.

As the graduates of CPU College of Law leave the hallowed halls of Central, they carry with them not only a degree but also the intersections of Scientia et Fides that will guide them in their future legal profession.