By Cyrus A. Natividad

Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, College of Law Commencement Speaker.

On September 26, 2022, the CPU College of Law held its first face to face Commencement Exercises for the Graduating Students after 2 years of holding virtual graduations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, candidates for graduation can only watch themselves marching in their togas, to receive their diplomas online – via CPUTV Facebook Live.

The program started at 2:00PM with a processional. The entrance of colors was followed by the graduating students and their parents, Faculty Members of the College of Law and University Officials.

Rev. Ruth Lunasco, Associate Pastor, University Church led the invocation; it was then followed by the National Anthem. University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa delivered their Welcome Remarks.

Dr. Robles acknowledged the Guest Speaker Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Dr. Pedregosa, Vice Chair Atty. Von Lovel Bedona and CPUAAI President Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, Dean Aila Rae Endonila, and members of the Faculty of the College of Law. In his message, Dr. Robles acknowledged that “The new normal have forced us to adjust out of our comfort zones and made us become creative; but the foundation of law remains the same.” He reminded the students that “Soon you will become Centralian Lawyers, who will advocate to your clients; ensuring that the law is correctly applied. You are called to do good work as an attorney – to conduct yourself with honesty and integrity.”

In his message, Dr. Pedregosa said, “This is a winning moment for the graduates. It has to be treasured as this is the result of your hard work, strength, courage, dedication and resiliency as students at the time of Covid-19 pandemic. He assured the graduates that the CPU Board of Trustees is supportive of the University, the College and its people. He congratulated the graduates in behalf of the BOT.”

Prof. Aila Rae B. Endonila, MM, LLM –Dean College of Law introduced the Commencement Speaker. Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera is Former Undersecretary of the DILG; he was awarded the Distinguished Presidential Medal of Merit for extraordinary service rendered to the people. He is former Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees; He is a Corporate Law Specialist and the Managing and Founding Member of the Tolentino Corvera Macasaet and Reig Law Offices. He is currently Chairman and CEO of Pedro Farms.

Corvera was instrumental in putting the name of CPU in the history of the Supreme Court – as one of the Testing Sites in the first ever Regionalized and Digitized 2020-2021 Bar Exams. He asked the ‘future lawyers’, “What is your definition of a successful lawyer? And what is your definition of success?” He let them choose between a successful lawyer, and a lawyer of significance. He pointed out, “Being a significant lawyer, one has to know how he will live his life and how does he want to be remembered.” He reminded the graduates of what their parents did so that they can graduate. He added that, “Academic excellence must always be tempered with values of integrity and honesty; such are grounded with our belief in God.”

Atty. Corvera was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Dr. Robles and Prof. Endonila. Afterwards, Athena Gabriella E. Julabar JD-4 rendered a Musical Number.

Atty. Endonila presented the Candidates for Graduation. The Conferral of Juris Doctor Degree, Investiture of Hoods and Distribution of Diplomas was assisted by Dr. Robles and Charissa June G. Deocampo – Registrar. A response from a graduate followed which was given by Jojie Marie Palec. Anne Camille Song rendered another intermission musical number.

Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian Senior Pastor, University Church administered the Commissioning. Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, CPUAAI President administered the Pledge of the Alumni. It was followed by the singing of the Alma Mater Song. The Benediction was given by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church, CPU. The recessional followed the Exit of Colors.

Ms. Carmelle Frances Mosquera Romero was the Emcee of the Commencement Exercises.