SNMC Law marks first-year milestones

CEBU, Philippines — Sto. Niño Mactan College Inc. (SNMC) - School of Law successfully celebrated its first anniversary and recognition rites at the bai Hotel Cebu on June 23, 2024.

After a successful first year, SNMC recognized the key contributors for its success, including stakeholders, pioneer students, and faculty members.

The event commenced with an inspiring speech by the current Chairperson of the Legal Education Board, Atty. Jason R. Barlis, who shared his insights into the legal profession.

Drawing from his own experience, he noted that the first year of law school is a challenging yet awakening phase. He reassured students that feeling tired and lost is normal and emphasized that failing does not end one’s journey.

“It is when you stop trying that your journey ends. It is when you quit that you admit defeat,” Barlis said.

Barlis highlighted that their struggles and successes set the standard for future batches and urged them to support their juniors when they become seniors.

“The hardship of being a pioneer batch is your hallmark, is your honor. Batches of law students will come and go but your batch will be remembered for being the first of many to come,” he emphasized.

Moreover, Dean Maricris Bathan-Lasco delivered her State of the College Address, expressing gratitude for the support she received in her first year as dean.

She then discussed the establishment timeline, the process of obtaining operational permits, and key events from their inaugural year, which included hosting legal talks, participating in forums and seminars, attending conferences, sponsoring events, and organizing SNMC Law expos.

She also shared future plans, such as applying for a Government Permit to operate third-year classes by academic year 2025-2026 and establishing a Continuing Legal Education Program Office under the direction of Atty. Gerime Mae Basalo.

Moreover, the event dedicated a segment to acknowledge the contributions of stakeholders who were vital in the establishment of SNMC Law. These included Justice Gabriel Ingles, a consultant and former Court of Appeals Executive Justice; Ms. Evelyn Toledo-Dumdum, a consultant and former Director of The Supreme Court’s Program Management Office; Atty. Anna Marie Melanie Trinidad, former Legal Education Board Chairman; Mr. Rodrigo Sagum, Legal Education Board Chief Education Program Specialist; and advisors Dean Alicia Evangelista-Bathan and Dean Corazon Evangelista-Valencia.

The evening also lauded those who laid the foundation for the school’s academic culture and set high standards for academic achievement—the pioneering students and faculty.

Furthermore, Bathan-Lasco noted that 43 students enrolled in the first semester, with 32 continuing to the second semester.

She announced that three students made the Dean’s List in the first semester: Dante Madriaga, Angelle Joy Malingin, and Michael Encarnacion. In the second semester, only Madriaga made the list, earning a MacBook for his consistent performance.

Additionally, Pia Philina Jayme-Kinaadman was recognized for her leadership and appointment as the Island Director for Cebu of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines-Visayas.

Meanhwile, Eliakim Insong III was  recognized for his outstanding academic performance during the second semester of academic year 2023-2024; and Pia Philina Jayme-Kinaadman, Angel Negrien Salado, Christine Tirol Sarda, Edelyn Pangatungan, and Rosenith Augusto were also recognized for their significant contributions as the pioneer Lex Circle Officers.

SNMC, the first law school outside Cebu City and the only one in Lapu-Lapu City, looks forward to continuing its mission of excellence in legal education and service to society.

Enrollment for the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025 is ongoing, with classes starting on August 12, 2024. Updates are available on the SNMC Law Facebook page.