USM College of Law Holds Historic First Graduation, Honors Five Pioneering Graduates
June 19, 2026
Retired Regional Trial Court judge and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) North Cotabato Chapter President Hon. Lily Lydia A. Laquindanum challenged the pioneering graduates of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) College of Law to see the legal profession as more than a path to personal success, urging them instead to use it in the service of others.
Judge Laquindanum served as as the guest of honor and speaker during the first commencement exercises of the college, on June 19, 2026, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. She reminded the five pioneering graduates that while earning a law degree is an important achievement, an even bigger question awaits them after graduation.
“What kind of lawyer will you become?” she asked.
For her, who spent more than four decades in the legal profession and judiciary, the answer goes beyond passing the Bar examinations or earning the title of attorney.
“The law is more than a career. It is a calling,” she said.
Throughout her address, the judge spoke about the responsibility that comes with the profession, encouraging the graduates to use their knowledge not only for themselves, but for the people and communities they will one day serve.
“Intelligence is important, but perseverance is often more important,” Laquindanum said.
Drawing from her years in the judiciary, she shared that she has seen talented individuals give up on their goals, while others succeeded simply because they chose to keep going despite difficulties.
She encouraged the graduates to carry that same determination as they prepare for the Bar examinations, reminding them that doubt, and uncertainty are experiences shared by every lawyer who has taken the test.
Beyond the Bar, however, Laquindanum said the country needs lawyers who understand the impact their work has on people’s lives.
“Behind every legal question is a human story,” she highlighted.
The speaker urged the graduates to remember that every case, client, and decision involves real people whose lives may be affected by the choices lawyers make.
Further, she also stressed the importance of integrity, saying that while legal knowledge can open opportunities, character is what sustains a lawyer throughout a career.
She encouraged the graduates to continue learning, remain grounded, and never forget the sacrifices that brought them to graduation day.
Judge Laquindanum also spoke about the challenges facing society, noting that many people still struggle to access justice and often lose confidence in institutions. In times like these, she said, lawyers have an important role to play.
She challenged the graduates to become lawyers who speak for those who have no voice, stand up for what is right even when it is unpopular, and remain faithful to the rule of law.
“The Philippines needs lawyers who possess not only intelligence, but integrity, not only competence, but compassion, not only knowledge of the law, but a commitment to justice,” the judge ended.
Judge Laquindanum retired from the judiciary in 2022 after serving as Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court in Midsayap and as Executive Judge in Cotabato. She currently serves as president of the IBP North Cotabato Chapter.
