By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU-COL faculty and staff, alongside CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU Vice President for Administration Engr. Dany C. Molina, and Legal Education Board (LEB) guests led by Commissioner Jason R. Barlis, gathered for a photo opportunity during Law Night 2025 at Diversion 21 Hotel.
On May 3, 2025, the 黑料专区 鈥 College of Law (CPU-COL) hosted its annual Law Night, themed 鈥淣octurnal Jurisprudence.鈥 The event, organized by the CPU Law Order of Kalantiao, took place at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.
The evening began with an invocation, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and CPU Alma Mater Song. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his welcome remarks, expressing gratitude for the presence of guests from the Legal Education Board (LEB).
鈥淟aw school is not all work. Tonight, we will let our guards down a little bit, but we will also dress up and celebrate鈥攁nd there鈥檚 no better way to do it than to be with mentors, colleagues, and people belonging both to the Centralian and legal profession communities. I pray for the success of this event,鈥 Rev. Dr. Dagohoy remarked.
CPU-COL Dean, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila then led the introduction of the event鈥檚 guest speaker, LEB Chairperson Atty. Jason R. Barlis. She also acknowledged LEB鈥檚 Commissioners and CPU Administrators led by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and CPU-Vice President for Administration, Engr. Dany C. Molina who graced the celebration with their presence. They were Commissioner Justice Manuel M. Barrios, Member Representing the Philippine Association of Law Professors; Commissioner Lorenzo R. Reyes, Member Representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Commissioner Alexander D. Dumpa, Member Representing the Law Students鈥 Sector. Also present were the executive and administrative staff members of the Legal Education Board (LEB).
In his message, Commissioner Barlis commended the CPU College of Law for hosting a celebration that allowed both students and faculty to unwind and enjoy meaningful time together. He also highlighted the ongoing and completed efforts of the Legal Education Board (LEB) to enhance the quality of legal education in the country. 鈥淭his year, you will see more. Yes, your Legal Education Board is working hard for the upliftment of legal education in the country. Through various policies and programs, we work hand-in-hand with law schools, the IBP, the Judiciary, and the law students’ sector to have more meaningful reforms in legal education.鈥
Commissioner Barlis also shared what he called the 鈥淭hree Pillars鈥 during his message鈥擯urpose, Principles, and People. He highlighted the importance of having a clear direction, a strong ethical foundation, and a commitment to service and collaboration with others as essential components in strengthening legal education and shaping future legal professionals.
A Certificate of Appreciation and token were presented to Commissioner Jason R. Barlis by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, along with CPU Law Order of Kalantiao Chairperson Dennis de la Cruz, in recognition of his inspiring message and continued support for the advancement of legal education. The night continued with fun and excitement, featuring a Karaoke Contest and the awarding of Best Dressed.
As the evening drew to a close, the celebration reaffirmed the vibrant community spirit within the CPU College of Law, leaving everyone with lasting memories and a renewed commitment to their academic and professional journeys.