By Joevelyn S. Delojero, College of Law, Batch 2024

Ms. Joevelyn Delojero delivered her response during the CPU-COL Commencement Exercises Class of 2024.

CPU Administration, our University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; Senior Pastor Cris Amorsolo V. Sian; CPU Alumni President, Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat; Board of Trustees; Dean Aila Endonila; esteemed faculty and staff of the College of Law; our distinguished commencement speaker, Justice Maria Felomina D. Singh; fellow graduates; parents; and friends, good afternoon.

Today is a day of celebration. To my fellow graduates, look around you—this is the day we’ve all been dreaming of. Let’s capture this moment and remember the hard work and sacrifices that brought us here.

On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to share my story—my testimony of God’s grace and blessings in my life.

I grew up in a financially challenged family. At age 10, my father got sick and was unable to work for a year, which made our financial situation even more difficult. We couldn’t afford basic school supplies, and I was bullied for my broken shoes. But God blessed me with wonderful parents who took great care of me and taught me to stand up for myself. In fact, despite being poor, I remember being one of the neatest kids in school. My hair was always fixed, my uniform ironed and clean, my nails short—they even gave me the “Most Neat” award.

My parents worked very hard but still struggled to provide for our daily needs. My father worked from morning until evening to put food on our table and send us to school. At age 10, I vowed to study diligently, hoping to lift my family out of poverty. From that point until college, I pushed myself to excel academically, sacrificing playtime and bonding with friends. I aimed to be valedictorian to earn scholarships and achieve Latin honors to increase my chances of landing a good job. I studied not for the sake of learning but to help my family.

Law school was a different story. I was already working as an accountant when I enrolled in law school. Balancing my time was always a challenge. There were moments when I broke down and cried, but not once did I regret enrolling in law school. You might wonder why? Because for the first time, I wasn’t studying for money, but for my passion and dream. I am grateful for the privilege to study law. Even if I had to endure reading books that I could not even finish, even during the days when I didn’t know the answers to the questions, and the anxious moments while waiting to be called on cases that I knew but ended up getting called on cases I had not even read. Everything was worth it because finally, I feel like I am where I’m supposed to be.

Working while studying has been a constant challenge for most of us, but for me, it was also a privilege. I was able to contribute much to our family because I was working. My siblings are now working as a licensed engineer and a public school teacher. Before, if we couldn’t afford to pay for electricity, I had no choice but to study kahit na mainit, kahit na malamok, kahit na madilim. In law school, even if I was so tired all throughout the day, I would go home to a nice and comfortable room. I no longer had to deprive myself of so many things and force myself to study. I already had the privilege to get low grades without worrying that I might lose my scholarship. I am studying because of a greater purpose, for the people that I want to help, for the lives that I could possibly change, and for the community that cannot afford to stand up for themselves. Even looking back, I am grateful both for the hardships and for the blessings.

Today, as we celebrate this incredible achievement, I am filled with gratitude.

Gratitude for my friends, who adjusted their schedules just to bond with me. To Nang Yolly, thank you for your kindness and for not leaving my side. To Nong Toto and Ray, thank you for the friendship that you have given to Ivan and me. Our times together were the breathers that we needed to remind ourselves that there is so much more to life than the life we have in law school.

Gratitude for my professors, who patiently waited for us to find the real essence of this profession. You have seen us in both our proudest and most embarrassing moments in law school, through our answers in every recitation and examination, and even through the countless laws and jurisprudence that we just made up to support our answers. We thank you for being with us on this journey, and we hope to be your panyera and panyero one day.

Gratitude for my mama and papa who love me unconditionally. Growing up, whenever we needed something, your response has always been, “Pangitaan ta paagi nak.” You have sacrificed so much for us to have a better future. Gamay nalang gid mama kag papa, may bata na kamo nga abogado. I know God will make me a lawyer, not based on my timeline, but on what He has planned for me.
Gratitude for my brother Dodoy, thank you for being so selfless. I am so blessed to have a brother who is willing to prioritize what I need over his own. I am and will always be here for you and Alvin.

Gratitude for my partner Ivan, who is also graduating with me today. You were there from day one of this journey. You were there whenever I felt so tired. You were there when I was grieving over broken friendships. When life became too overwhelming and I couldn’t even study a single page, you convinced me to show up and take exams regardless of my emotional state. You’re not a dancer, but I love it when you dance so awkwardly just to make me smile. We may have studied individually all throughout those four years, but I was dependent on you for emotional support. You have cheered for me in my success, and you have uplifted me in my failures. I would not be here today if not for your support. Thank you and I love you.

Gratitude to God Almighty, my Savior. I am nothing without You. I do not even deserve the people and the things that I have in my life. All that I know and can do came from You. Thank You for the unending grace and forgiveness. I am sorry for my shortcomings and for disappointing You countless times. I owe everything to You, Lord. Thank You for fulfilling my dreams. I know Your plans are always better than mine. So let Your will be done, O Lord.

To my fellow graduates, let us carry with us the hope that law school has already prepared us to overcome the challenges of becoming full-fledged lawyers. Let us stay grounded and remind ourselves that our sacrifices and our desire to know the law are not for our own glory, but to be a beacon of hope for those who are losing hope in our justice system. Let us not forget the reasons why we started this journey. Knowledge is a powerful weapon that we can use to stand up for others, to fight for a better community, and a preserved humanity.

In closing, I leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” We have conquered many adversities to get to this point; may we continue to strengthen our hearts so that no matter how many times we fail, we will continue to fight and hold onto this dream of becoming lawyers someday.

Congratulations, Batch 2024. God knows our hearts, He is aware of our intentions and our deepest desires, and He will give them to us when we are most ready to accept His blessings. May God bless us all.