Women lawyers ignite BukSU Law students

Bukidnon State University’s College of Law (COL) held a forum, highlighting the experiences and career paths of women in the legal profession as part of its ongoing “Legal Xchange: Discourse on Law and Justice” series.

The event, titled “Women in the Legal Arena,” took place at the university’s Audio-Visual Center on April 21, 2025, and featured a panel of legal professionals working across public and private sectors. The session aimed to provide law students with perspectives on legal practice through the lens of women professionals and their experiences in the field.

The panel included Hon. Nelison U. Pajarillo-Salcedo, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 21 in Cagayan de Oro City; Hon. Jerlie P. Luis-Requerme, Presiding Judge of the 3rd MCTC Impasug-ong–Sumilao in Bukidnon; Atty. Porchia Mae P. Serrano-Okit, Prosecution Attorney at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Malaybalay City; and Atty. Pearlie Jane Q. Binahon, Operations Manager and Legal Officer of BAFF in Lantapan.

Also joining the discussion were Atty. Leizle O. Funa-Fernandez, Business Center Head for Mindanao Operations at Bounty Plus, Inc.; Atty. Jonalyn D. Villacura of MALL Law Firm in Valencia City; and Atty. Hyacinth Ann D. Antonio of Antonio Law Office, also in Valencia City.

According to COL Dean, Atty. Ophelia Pilar R. Zamora, the forum continued the university’s observance of Women’s Month, and was designed to offer law students career insights from practitioners who have navigated various challenges in the legal system.

“Aimed at equipping our law students with essential career insights, this special session will spotlight the impact of “Panyeras”—remarkable women who have shaped the legal system and society with excellence and resilience,” said Zamora.

The “Legal Xchange” talk series was launched in October 2024 and has since served as a platform for discussions on legal practice, ethics, and the evolving role of the legal profession in society. (BukSU-Information Unit)