Grit and Glory: 44 iKalingas succeed in the 2025 Bar Examination

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Forty-four iKalingas are now set to practice in the legal profession this year after passing the Bar examinations, considered among the toughest professional licensure exams in the Philippines.

On January 7, the Supreme Court of the Philippines released the names of the new lawyers who passed the 2025 Bar Examination, revealing that 5,594 or 48.98 percent of the 11,420 examinees successfully made the cut.

Among those who passed are iKalinga sons and daughters who, like many others, achieved this milestone through grit, determination, discipline, and faith. The new lawyers from Kalinga include Atty. Chelsea Ann Dugayon Abbacan, Atty. Portia Mae Bogao Alcanzarin, Atty. Mary Elizabeth Gacuya Galicia, Atty. Larraine Brecht Challikis Dayag Fallong, Atty. Denzel Waswasen Camuyot, Atty. Maisie Rae Canao Las-sin, Atty. Sheldon Gupaal Baddongon, Atty. Ruby Anne Sagmayao Edduba, Atty. Oliver Tabbang Layugan, Atty. Joyce Noreen Wacdagan Bagyon, Atty. Xylerine Antoinette Dapasen Apil, Atty. Harlace Greene Battikin Dongpin, Atty. Winnie Manangbao Gunday Viloria, Atty. Reymar Gallamoy Pan-oy, Atty. Shirmaine Paclay Gabit, Atty. Judea Ara Torres Bagtang, Atty. Em Busaing Martinez, Atty. James Oliver Arboleda, Atty. Roselyn Todiano Calbayan, Atty. Eduardo Lagmay Cortez, and Atty. Ederlyn Gumabol Dumalan.

Other iKalinga Bar passers are Atty. Bruno Ambona Galwat, Atty. Maricel Tocyapao Galwat, Atty. Kimberly Joan Dugayon Hortelano, Atty. Marjorie Cawalo Longid, Atty. Lisyl Lawagan Passol, Atty. Krezza Iah Micah Cardinez Batay-an, Atty. Judy Ann Sagay Mayaoyao, Atty. James Laguicao Baybay Jr., Atty. Gearlyn Guinnayao Paga, Atty. Ogie Rose Liwanon Banasan, Atty. Shem Dangangao Palicas, Atty. Rolex Jurister Gumabay Dawaton, Atty. Chrissa Joyce Barrera Diwag, Atty. John Patrick Gannaban Moldero, Atty. Sunshine Maloc Pao-iton, Atty. Elizabeth Bawalan Pangsiw, Atty. Kaye Tipayno Luminang, Atty. Karen Joy Espiritu Raymundo, Atty. Jordan Mana-ar Casiano, Atty. Arvin Tianga Balageo, Atty. Mylene Liw-agan Dunag, Atty. Allan Joy Hippli Caoile, and Atty. Michelle Bello Tuliao.

Passing the Bar Feels Surreal

According to Atty. Elizabeth Pangsiw, she could hardly believe her eyes when she saw her name on the list of passers, recalling a journey marked by hard work, prayers, and sacrifices. Now that she has passed the Bar, Pangsiw looked back and acknowledged the support system that stood by her throughout her pursuit of becoming a lawyer.

“Passing the Bar exam feels surreal. It is the fruit of years of hard work, prayers, and sacrifices. I am deeply grateful to God and to everyone who stood by me throughout this journey. I am especially grateful to my kakailyan nga iKalinga, especially my Dacalan and Maducayan families, as my roots—for grounding me, strengthening me, and constantly reminding me of who I am and where I come from,” she told GURU Press Cordillera.

As she prepares to practice in the legal field, Pangsiw expressed her desire to serve the public and give back to the community that helped shape who she is today.

“Now that I am set to practice law, I hope to use this blessing to serve others and give back to the community that shaped me. Daytoy ket mangipalagip kaniak nga no adda pammati ken panagtitinulong, adda met pagbanagan dagiti ar-aramiden,” she said.