With the theme, “MSU in the Digital Age, Leading Brilliantly through Excellence in Innovation and Service Against Odds and Challenges,” the MSU College of Law marked the successful completion of the 192 graduates and graduands of the Class 2020 and 2021 in a hybrid closing ceremony on August 7, 2021 with an onsite attendance at the University Convention Center in Main Campus, Marawi City and with master of ceremonies, Atty. Michael Caesar Advincula.

Atty. Annabelle C. Mindalano, Dean of MSU College of Law delivered her welcome address in which she acknowledged the hard work of the students in surviving the rigors of law school. She also added how the MSU College of Law took the initiative to respond to the challenges of the time to boost access to Legal Education, particularly to places outside of conventional hubs and without access to law schools.

“As we move forward with a purpose, may you always have strong resolve for a life that transcends beyond yourself, a life in which your talents are brought incessantly to improve the world around you. May you always carry with you the values and principles that are intertwined with the endeavour you have chosen, to aid in the administration of justice and uphold the rule of law,” she expressed her welcome remarks.

The keynote address was delivered by Commissioner Josefe C. Sorrera-Ty of the Legal Education Board. She accentuated a line taken from the Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien that “deep roots are not reached by the frost”. For her, this symbolic meaning of the words from the poem spoke about the mission of the MSU College of Law. “You are able to extensively display excellence in innovation and service at this very challenging period of our country’s life because everything you do is deeply rooted in MSU’s mission: to help humanity live a superior life”, she stated. She concluded her keynote speech saying that this celebration will enrich the journey of Filipinos into that bright future they have been longing for – for a long time. 

Dr. Habib W. Macaayong, President of the Mindanao State University System delivered the President’s Address in which he expressed, “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.”

Along with the set of activities during the closing ceremony was the virtual presentation of graduates and graduands from Marawi, Gensan and Iligan campuses with its academic and non-academic awards.

The Valedictory address was delivered by Ms. Jeanan Ashya M. Gubat, the primus interpares who garnered the highest cumulative grade point average of 1.506 among the valedictorians from the 3 campuses of MSU College of Law. She gives emphasis on how prayer is the most powerful weapon of all. 

“Indeed, with Allah nothing is impossible.” She humbly uttered the six words that concluded her speech signifying her faith and offering her moment of triumph to Allah.

Atty. Joanah Alinog-Disocor, Assistant Dean of the Iligan Campus and Clinical Legal Education Program delivered the closing remarks. ”The past year was a difficult one for everyone. However, you persevered, enduring the circumstances which have now paid-off. Keep in mind that the almighty presents us with burdens which we can bear. The challenging times have not passed. Whatever doubts and hesitations you may face can only be answered by you alone through his guidance”, she said. 

The closing ceremony was formally concluded through the singing of Himno ng Pamantasang Mindanao.

Credits: Lj Vergeire Iglupas (LJ Iglupas Photography) and team! Multimedia materials from Teodoro Rullan Llanes II of The Nexus; Van Openiano (the immediate past president of IE-LAC (MSU Iligan Extension – Legal Aid Clinic) and Sarimanok Virtual Law Clinic; and Charity Gene Abugan (the president of MSU College of law Debate and Moot Society).