BukSU College of Law places 5th in memorials category of the Jessup 2026 Philippine Qualifying Rounds

Law students from Bukidnon State University’s College of Law (COL) placed in the Top 5 of the Memorials category at the Philippine Qualifying Rounds of the 2026 Philip C. Jessup Competition, held February 25-27, 2026, at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

The COL team submitted a written memorial that ranked among the top entries in the category. A total of 24 law schools from across the country joined the competition. BukSU-COL placed ahead of several institutions in the memorial rankings, including the University of the Philippines.

The team was composed of Janina Casuanah E. Sahagun, Chelsea Psalm M. Neri, Penelope Lara O. Tabamo and Jeanette Ives A. Torrejos-Yambagon, under the guidance of coach Atty. Micah Stefan B. Dagaerag. The memorial served as the team’s formal pleading and was based on legal research and writing addressing the issues in the moot problem.

Sahagun, a third-year law student and team captain, said, “A year ago, I was introduced to the world of actual mooting. While I was just sitting in the background, I then wondered what it would be like to stand directly behind the podium. One year after, and at the very same place, I just did.”

The Philip C. Jessup Competition is considered the world’s largest moot court competition and simulates proceedings before the International Court of Justice. This year’s moot problem, titled “The Case Concerning the Gordian Gorge,” addresses issues including indigenous peoples’ rights to rare minerals.

“This is where students get to be tested and measured within the greater community of the best students from the best law schools, for them to elevate their standards and perspectives for themselves beyond what they might get used to within the confines of their respective law schools,” said Dagaerag, who previously joined moot competitions as a participant and judge.

“I am amazed by how confidently and boldly our students compete, even as newcomers surrounded by long established and prominent schools,” said COL Dean Atty. Ophelia Pilar E. Rubio-Zamora. “Because of this unwavering commitment, our school is steadily earning its place on the national mooting stage. I am confident that we will continue to rise, and that our time will come—we will reach the top—through our students’ hard work, our coach’s guidance, and the University’s steadfast support.” (Atty. Micah Stefan B. Dagaerag/ Faculty, College of Law)