Serve Justice, Earn Trust – Mayor Pabillaran Tells BukSU Law Grads

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) opened its 91st Annual Commencement Exercises with the College of Law holding its graduation ceremony on June 13, 2025, at the University Mini-Theatre. The event began the university’s weeklong graduation series with the theme, “Leading Innovative Pathways through Smart Education.”

Among the 20 graduates was Gerilin Ana-os Gascon, who said her motivation to finish law school was her long-standing goal to serve others.

“What motivated me in finishing this Law degree, regarding all the struggles and the challenges, is my why in pursuing law, which is, of course, to help other people, to serve justice and to return back for the community,” Gascon said.

Gascon recalled the challenges of law school and said the experience left a lasting impact. “It’s still very overwhelming and until now it hasn’t settled yet, we will miss going to school every day, and it’s just fulfilling to know to realize that we finally did it,” she said.

She plans to return to public service after graduation. A recipient of government scholarships from grade school through college, Gascon said she is committed to serving in the public sector. “After graduation I will still be working with the government, and I will return to the service, continue to serve the government. Since grade school, high school, and college, I have been a government scholar, so I owe everything to the government. It’s time to bring back the honor,” she said.

The commencement speaker, Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, addressed the graduates and spoke about the role of future lawyers in public institutions. Pabillaran, also a lawyer, urged the new graduates to uphold ethical standards in their work.

“You dare to dream of becoming part of our judicial system, an institution that desperately needs minds and hearts like yours; young and passionate, principled and ready to lead,” he said.

He told graduates that the legal profession requires not only knowledge, but also personal integrity. He advised them to be dependable in carrying out their responsibilities.

“Let your knowledge match with integrity. Doing something right even when no one is witnessing. Slay that bar; not just for yourself, but for those who depend on you, who seek justice,” he said.

“Be the kind of lawyer who will not win arguments, but will win trust, respect, and the chance to make a real difference,” Pabillaran added. “As you step outside this institution, always remember, you’re not just future lawyers, you are future leaders.”

The BukSU College of Law, established in 2002, is now in its 23rd year. It remains the only government-run institution in Northern Mindanao that offers legal education.

University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, in her address, spoke about the university’s role in supporting future legal professionals and reaffirmed BukSU’s commitment to student development. She said the university remains dedicated to providing a “safe, nurturing, and forward-looking learning environment” for its students, whom she described as “smart students—individuals who excel academically, lead with integrity, and serve with purpose.”

Dr. Mirasol also presented recent updates from the College of Law, including its participation in the 2025 OSG Legal Internship Program, its involvement in the Jessup Moot Court Competition, and its use of ExamSoft for secure, data-informed assessments.

“You graduate today not just with a diploma, but with a future shaped by a university that believes in you,” Mirasol said. “From classrooms to communities, BukSU rises with every effort. Go out there, and show the world what a Smart BukSUan can do. Padayon.”

Following the ceremony, the graduates are expected to enter an intensive review period in preparation for the 2025 BAR Examinations scheduled in September. (Genavev Labora, IU Intern)