A Thought to Share . . .: 06/01/17

From the Facebook page of Atty. Daryl Bretch M. Largo, USC Law Professor.

Just few days ago, six fresh graduates from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City were placed among the top 10 passers of the May 2017 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Examination[1]. Two were in the first place; one in the second; two in the fourth; and one in the tenth place.

Another not a surprising result came out when a USC graduate ranked the first in May 2017 Chemical Engineering (ChemEng) Board Examination[2]. Also another admirable achievement was the recent 2017 Real Estate Consultant Licensure Exam result wherein a USC graduate was the first in the top list[3].

The results only prove that USC is indeed a producer of topnotchers not only in the field of law but also in other fields such as Accountancy, engineering and others.

When the latest Bar Examination result came out last month, it shocked the whole Philippines as not a single one from Manila-based universities was included among the list of the topnotchers[4]. Four (4) of the law graduates from the USC were among the Top Ten: the first; the third; the seventh and the eighth. And the rest of the topnotchers were from other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

There were netizens who expressed their negative comments. One named ‘Filcard’ said that it’s “quite unbelievable… this is quite an statistical improbability. And presbetero velasco (SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.) is the Bar exam chair… hmmmmmm i smell a…"[5]. Also ‘Joey Filart’ posted that “how will they reach the top 10 if they’re busy joining protest rallies and destabilization plots of the yellow retards (Liberal Party)…”. Also another one named ‘Disillusioned Juan’ said that “its not surprising… Marami kasing distractions sa Metro Manila: shopping malls, arcades, cinemas, sexy girls, etc… Plus, yung traffic! Pagdating mo sa school, pagod ka na; at ganun din sa paguwi! Kaya hirap magconcentrate sa studies…”. (It’s not suprising. There are many distractions in Metro Manila such as shopping malls, arcades, cinemas, sexy girls, etc. Also the traffic! When you come to school, you’re already tired, same also when you go home! That’s why it’s difficult to concentrate from the studies…”). The worst comment made was from ‘Marivic Arcega-Penãflorida saying that “I can’t believe that none from reputable law schools made it to the top 10. Maybe they started counting from the bottom?” When asked if she meant USC and Silliman are not reputable, she answered “Never heard of them. Saan nga pala yun? (Where in the Philippines?) Marivic, living in Tagaytay City, has placed in her profile that she studied at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

As to the Reasons of Excellent Performance

When the Dean of the USC College of Law and Governance was asked about the reason why they are able to produce topnotchers, Dean Joan S. Largo said that “the College prides itself on its excellent staff and student exchange programs working with Stockholm University in Sweden and the Australian Catholic University, offers a Supreme Court-accredited Clinical Legal Education Program and provides Mandatory Continuing Legal Education”. She added that the school has produced topnotchers as early as 2011 and has been cited as among the top law schools in the country by the Legal Education Board. The best students enrolled in the USC Law come from different parts of the country, not only from Cebu City. They are provided with world-class facilities, and are given access to world-class materials. The faculty members are extremely dedicated, passionate and committed and the administration has been very supportive. The quality of teaching-learning activities has been enhanced. She further said that the students had preparation since Day 1 of their entry into the law school, and they have both IQ and EQ, having a sharp mind and a brave heart[6].

In addition, the USC College of Law and Governance has been recognized to have produced Champions of the debate nationwide and Philippine rounds in the international moot court competitions since 2014, specifically in the ABS-CBN News Channel’s Square Off: The Firm Debates Seasons 7 and 11, and Philippine Rounds Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competitions.

The University of San Carlos (USC) is the largest and most prestigious university in Cebu City, Philippines. Its newly recognized Main Campus (TC) is located in Barangay Talamban. However, the College of Law and Governance as well as some other colleges are still housed in the former main campus which is now called the Downtown Campus (DC) at Sanciangko Street.

According to Wikipedia, USC is the oldest[7] educational institution in continuous operation. It is historically linked to a small college[8] established in 1595 under the name 'Colegio de San Ildefonso'. It became a university in 1948. However, some notable scholars in the field of history, especially a historian from the oldest university, opposed to the claim that USC is the oldest school. The oldest university, which was established in 1611, is the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

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