By Ishia Eleanor F. Marquez
Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law (IL) recognized 27 students as Juris Doctors along with other accolades during the 2026 Juris Doctor Hooding and Commencement Exercises held at the Main Auditorium earlier today, July 18.
Among the graduates, 10 were proclaimed with second honors, while cum laude Joyelle Kristen Tamayo was named valedictorian.
In her valedictory speech, Tamayo reflected on her grit that pushed her to continue despite the hardships she faced during her law school journey.
“It was never about finding an easy path… It was about persevering through the most embarrassing recitations and the hardest exams of our lives, and yet, we showed up… We all found a way to keep moving forward,” she said.
Beyond the lessons they learned as law students, Tamayo reminded her fellow graduates of their obligation as future members of the legal field to uphold the integrity of the law.
“As the legal profession awaits us, may we be reminded that beyond grades, beyond recitations… lies a greater responsibility to serve with integrity, courage, and compassion… May we become lawyers who know not only the law, but also become the part of the reason the rule of law improves,” the valedictorian emphasized.
Furthermore, Joereme Rimorin received the Best Thesis Award, while Aaron Paul Lagamay and Kylie Suba were awarded Second Best Thesis and Third Best Thesis, respectively.
The Juris Doctor Hooding Ceremony is held to recognize graduates of FEU-IL for completing their Juris Doctor degree.
Aspiring lawyers are set to take the 2026 Bar Examinations across 15 local testing centers on September 6, 9, and 13.
(Photo by Neo Cabal/FEU Advocate)