By Mary Philline C. Rodriguez and Ryan Julianne L. Monzon
The San Beda University College of Law (SBU-COL) celebrated its 83 Juris Doctor graduates in the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony on July 29 at Jonathan Sy Auditorium, followed by the Institutional Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on July 30.
Leading the Class of 2026 was Valedictorian Jazmine Gayle Atienza, recipient of the Justice Florenz D. Regalado Memorial Award and the Judge Agustin P. Montesa Award.
In her valedictory address, Atienza reminded her batch to remain steadfast in the timeless principle, fiat justitia, ruat caelum ー “Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.”
“As future lawyers, we will soon be entrusted with extraordinary responsibilities, but beyond legal skill, there is something more important that will guide us–our moral compass,” she said. “The law tells us what is legal; our conscience reminds us what is right. Knowledge of the law may earn us the profession, but character determines the kind of lawyer we become.“
Salutatorian Kristine N. Espejo was awarded the Dean Emeritus Virgilio B. Jara Memorial Award, while Honorable Mention Hansel M. Barsatan was conferred the Dean Feliciano Jover Ledesma Memorial Award. Raymond J. Facunla, on the other hand, received the Faculty Award for Exemplary Scholastic Achievement.
Delivering the keynote address, Atty. Dante O. Dela Cruz, CPA, encouraged the future members of the Bar to remain grounded in faith. He emphasized that thorough preparation, coupled with earnest prayer, places one in the best position to succeed in the upcoming bar.
Among the 83 graduating students were five members of thebarrister; former Editor-in-Chief Micah Marie F. Naadat, News Editor Carlo Alfonso S. Sales, Creatives Director Sofia Anreana Francesca G. Valera, and Senior Photographers Maltha Denise D. Villarubia and Kimberley Jhoanna V. Li.
The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Pledge of Loyalty, the Pledge of a Bedan, and the Alumni Oath.
The celebrations continued on July 30 as the Class of 2026 formally received their Juris Doctor degrees during the commencement exercises at PICC, in the presence of Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, signifying the completion of their legal education at San Beda.
At the PICC, the commencement exercises began with the Baccalaureate Mass presided over by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Beltran Quevedo, OMI, D.D. During the liturgy, Valedictorian Atienza led the Thanksgiving Prayer.
After years of perseverance, the Class of 2026 now embarks on a new chapter, one marked by the pursuit of justice and faithful service. As they leave Mendiola, may they remain guided by the Bedan ideals of Fides (faith), Scientia (knowledge), and Virtus (virtue), answering the call to uphold the rule of law with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication to God, country, and society.
THE BARRISTER 