Mom. Accountant. Bar Topnotcher. The Journey of BukSU’s Pride, Atty. Gerilin Gascon

Becoming one of the country’s top Bar passers wasn’t easy for now-Attorney Gerilin Gascon. Already a Certified Public Accountant, she managed to place 14th in the 2025 Bar Examinations while working a full-time job at Landbank of the Philippines and raising three children. Her story shows that you can jump from a career in finance to the top of the legal world if you have a hardworking spirit and a family that cheers you on. It’s a perfect example of how staying faithful and having a great support system can help you beat the toughest odds.

In this interview with BukSU, Gascon shares insights on her bar journey, professional background in banking, and plans for serving her community as a lawyer.

How did you manage a demanding career in finance while dedicating the necessary hours to such a rigorous bar review?

“I managed both the demanding career in finance and the rigorous bar review through my support system. So I have my family, also the College of Law, my office mates, and I really did take a study leave. I availed of a study leave granted by the bank from April 2025 up to the actual bar exam.”

And during that period, where did you spend your study hours? At home, or somewhere in a cafe, or somewhere else?

“Actually, I felt more comfortable at home, so I spent my study time there.”

Do you plan to integrate your new legal expertise into your current role in the banking industry, or are you looking forward to a new specialized practice?

“For now, I’m still enjoying incorporating my legal knowledge into my work because I already have the opportunity to apply the law based on my job description, like loan documentation. So even when I was still a student, I was already applying it, so I’m still enjoying it for now.”

Could you tell us about your role in the bank?

“I work as an account officer. As an account officer, we market loans, negotiate with clients, package loan proposals, documentation, collection, plus remedial management of these accounts. So, part of this job is foreclosure proceedings, loan documentation, and coordination also with other government agencies.”

How many years have you served in the bank, Attorney?

“I’ve been with Landbank since March 1, 2013.”

How did your family serve as your motivation during the moments when the pressure of the bar exam felt overwhelming?

“All this time, my family was really my greatest inspiration. I can still remember when there was a time when I was about to give up and go back instead of working then cancel my study leave. And then my youngest son approached me and said, “Mom, dreams do come true when you work hard.” So that simple line from a kid who is only nine years old kept me going throughout my bar journey.”

What lesson do you hope your children take away from seeing their mother become a bar topnotcher while raising them?

“I am praying that this victory will also be their inspiration. That someday they will look back and be proud of me also and will take the lesson that there is nothing that is impossible if you really work hard. So indeed, dreams do come true with prayers, support, and faith.”

Being the only topnotcher from Mindanao in this year’s bar exam is already a massive achievement. What makes the legal education at BukSU special in your eyes?

“Actually, BukSU College of Law is really one of my motivations because there was one time when I really prayed to the Lord, especially after the last bar exam. I really prayed. There was that one time I remember, “Lord, I want to give honor to BukSU.” So I am also happy, more than for myself, I’m happier for BukSU. Because in the College of Law family, I know they did their best. The professors also did their best for this to happen.”

What is your first legal goal that you want to achieve for your community?

“Actually, since day one of studying law, I believe that awareness of the law will help improve our community. Because making people aware of their rights and the law will minimize abuses and crimes. Because when a person knows how to assert his or her rights, and when he or she knows that his or her right is being violated, then he or she can avail of legal remedies. So that starts with awareness. So that’s also what I want to do in my own little ways, engage with rural communities and conduct legal sessions or consultations for them.”

Do you have an inspiring message for our future bar exam takers from BukSU Law?

My message for the next bar takers of BukSU Law: continue working hard, trust the process, and honor BukSU College of Law and your professors through your hard work.

Her success is a victory for Mindanao, a pride for BukSU, and a blueprint for every working mother who dares to dream. As she transitions from student to practitioner, Atty. Gascon remains a powerful reminder that with a clear purpose and an unwavering support system, the most daunting challenges can become the most triumphant milestones. (BukSU – Information Unit)