𝗗𝗢𝗿𝗦𝗨 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁

Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) is beaming with pride as two of its distinguished alumni, John Rey R. Codilla and Eryel L. Comania, represent the Asia-Pacific in the prestigious Price Media Law Moot Court Competition at the University of Oxford in England, held from April 21 to 25.

Codilla and Comania, both graduates of DOrSU’s Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English program, are now pursuing their Juris Doctor degrees at Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) College of Law. The duo, alongside teammates Jemimah Ganancial and Prince Lloyd Depalubos, form part of the formidable JMCFI team representing the Philippines at this year’s global moot court event.

Earlier this year, the team made headlines by securing a spot among the top three teams during the Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds held from January 22 to 24, at the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila Campus. Competing against 13 teams from four countries, the JMCFI team showcased their legal acumen and advanced to the international rounds in Oxford as one of only seven teams from the entire Asia-Pacific region— three of which hail from the Philippines, including the University of the Philippines and Tarlac State University.

John Rey R. Codilla, a magna cum laude graduate of DOrSU in 2016, is currently an Assistant Professor at the university’s Faculty of Teacher Education. Known for his academic rigor and passion for teaching, Codilla has seamlessly transitioned into the legal arena, bringing the same dedication that made him a standout educator. In 2024, he was also admitted as an intern in the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines under its Legal Internship Program, further strengthening his experience in the practice of law.

Equally accomplished is Eryel L. Comania, who has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and legal advocacy. Both Codilla and Comania have been active members of the JMFCI Debate and Moot Society since their first year in law school, sharpening their litigation and public speaking skills through various national and international competitions. Their participation in the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition is yet another testament to their growing list of achievements. The competition, renowned for its focus on international media law and freedom of expression, provides an exceptional platform for budding legal minds to test their skills against some of the world’s best.

𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙤𝙞𝙡

For Davao Oriental State University, Codilla and Comania’s achievements are a source of immense pride. The university, which has been steadily fostering a culture of academic and professional excellence, celebrates the success of its alumni as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to holistic education.

“We are incredibly proud of John Rey and Eryel,” said DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce. “Their journey from our classrooms to the global stage is an inspiration to our current students and faculty. They embody the values of perseverance and competence that we strive to instill.”

As the competition unfolds in Oxford, the JMCFI team carries not only their personal aspirations but also the hopes of their institutions and communities back home. Win or lose, their journey underscores the global potential of Filipino legal scholars and the transformative power of education.

Regardless of the outcome at Oxford, Codilla and Comania are poised to continue their ascent in the legal profession. Their achievements hint at bright futures in advocacy, academia, and beyond. Their story serves as a beacon for aspiring law students and young professionals in the Philippines, proving that with hard work, mentorship, and a passion for justice, the world’s most prestigious platforms are within reach.