Philippines best legal aid lawyer is from Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — She undertakes various responsibilities on a daily basis.

An entrepreneur and restaurateur, she is also an R & D (Research and Development) consultant, and a legal practitioner.

Notwithstanding her very tight schedule each day, she remains highly charged in promoting and implementing the legal aid thrusts and ideals of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter (IBP-CCC).

But for Mary Grace Hermosa Casano, it was all worth it.

Her efforts and sacrifices paid off after she bagged the 'Most Outstanding Legal Aid Lawyer Award' at the IBP's 18th National Convention of Lawyers held via Zoom video conference last Saturday, June 26.

"I am very proud of Atty. Grace for being awarded as the most outstanding legal aid lawyer in the entire country during the 18th IBP National Convention," said incumbent IBP-CCC President Michelle Mendez-Palmares.

"The award is well-deserved. Atty. Grace is very hardworking, dedicated and passionate in serving those who have less in life because she works not for her own glory but for Him who is the greatest but serves the least, the lost and the last," Mendez-Palmares added.

It was actually a double celebration for IBP-CCC as it also received "Special Awards" for administration of justice and legal aid representations, and for its charitable, humanitarian and legal actions especially to the indigents and marginalized ones.

Casano, who passed the bar exams with flying colors in 2018, said the accomplishments of the IBP-CCC 24th Board were made possible through the proactive, focused, and passionate leadership of their then president Regal Oliva and the support of all the directors, officers, and members as well.

"I especially thank and honor the IBP-CCC 24th Board President Regal Oliva and the Immediate Past President, Dean Jose Glenn Capanas, for entrusting to me the Directorship of the IBP-CCC's Legal Aid Program," opened Casano in her lengthy appreciation post on her Facebook page.

"As correctly pointed out by Dean (Jonathan) Capanas, the IBP-CCC's opportunity to serve the underserved sectors of our society, whom Pres. Regal calls the least, the lost and the last, is because of Pres. Regal's dedication and commitment,"Casano said.

Casano, who studied political science at the University of the Philippines Visayas-Cebu College (UPV-CC) before completing her Bachelor of Laws at the University of San Carlos (USC) Law and Business School, championed IBP-CCC's legal aid program in so many ways, as a legal researcher and content maker, e-system developer, relief goods and donation director, and "vaccine czarina" among others.

"With my family, friends, and the IBP Cebu City Chapter's love and support, and the blessings of the Almighty, I will continue to serve and encourage others to serve the least, the lost, and the last, to proactively stand for what is right and just, and to work on causes that matter most," said Casano.

This year's edition of the annual gathering of lawyers all over the country carries the theme: "IBP doing MORE, BETTER, FASTER amidst change and challenges".

With hard work, due diligence and faith in God, Casano personified that. — KQD (FREEMAN)