The University of Northern Philippines College of Law celebrated the triumph of its 2025 Bar Examination passers at a Testimonial Dinner on February 12, 2025, at the College of Technology Complex Function Hall, honoring twenty-seven newly minted lawyers as they step into the legal profession.
The program began with a solemn invocation led by Rev. Fr. Rosmel Cairel, setting a reverent tone for the celebration. OIC Dean Atty. Verselie Limos delivered the opening remarks, blending reflection with a sense of achievement as she welcomed attendees. The formal recognition of the 2025 Bar passers was presented by Atty. Jamaila Soller, Adviser of the Law School Government (LSG) and Ponencia Publication.
Representing University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, Mr. Albert Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration, expressed the university’s pride and admiration for the accomplishments of its newest legal professionals. The program concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Dean Atty. Aaron Noel Taloza, officially bringing the evening’s celebrations to a close.
The testimonial dinner celebrated the achievements of the 2025 Bar passers while providing a meaningful platform for them to share their personal journeys. Attendees were moved by stories of perseverance, dedication, and the vital support of family, mentors, and friends that guided the new lawyers through the challenges of the Bar.
In honoring these graduates, the College of Law reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating competent, ethical, and service-oriented legal professionals—lawyers prepared not only to uphold justice but also to make a positive impact on society.
A total of twenty-seven aspiring lawyers proudly earned their place among the ranks of the country’s legal professionals, having successfully passed the Bar examinations. The new batch of lawyers includes Atty. Mary Elaine Barlolong, Atty. Lyndon Benido, Atty. Julius Brillantes, Atty. Mckinley Cabuena, Atty. Kreliza Cañeda-Tuzon, Atty. Agnes Dagian, Atty. Dazia Joelle Dayag, and Atty. Santos Ben De Peralta.
Also joining the esteemed list are Atty. Prenhelyn Joy Divina, Atty. Moises Embat, Atty. Rhean Mae Escobar, Atty. Maria Estrelita Esposo, Atty. Jennifer M. Fernandez, Atty. Justine Galolo, Atty. Pia Mariel Gamilde, and Atty. Ana Alyssa Gutierez.
Rounding out the achievers are Atty. Kaye Ann Ines, Atty. Andi Nicole Lopena, Atty. Karen Mariz Mana, Atty. Joan Pauline Pimentel, Atty. John Bernard Ranada, Atty. Maria Linda Raras, Atty. Mark Kevin Tamayo, Atty. Evangeline Torrano, Atty. Joy Eulalia Ugale, Atty. Lei Ann Ventura, and Atty. Marjun Vitales.
Their accomplishment not only marks the culmination of years of rigorous study but also signals the beginning of their journey as legal practitioners poised to contribute to the justice system and society at large.
The Testimonial Dinner concluded a day of recognition and celebration, marking both a rite of passage and the promising start of the newest lawyers’ professional journeys. The College’s outstanding performance in this year’s bar examinations—achieving a 76.19% passing rate for first-time takers, 56.25% for retakers, 40% for refresher examinees, and a 64.29% overall institutional passing rate—far surpassed the national average of 48.98%. These remarkable results reflect not only the determination and resilience of the students but also the College’s unwavering commitment to excellence in legal education.
Article by: Atty. Haysheryl V. Salamanca
