DOrSU Faculty Member Earns Juris Doctor with Highest Distinction
Assistant Professor John Rey R. Codilla, a faculty member and institutional scholar of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), graduated as First Honors of the Juris Doctor Class of 2025 at the Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) College of Law.
During the 6th Commencement Exercises of the JMCFI College of Law held on June 21, 2025, at the KJC Hall in Davao City, Codilla was conferred multiple distinctions in recognition of his outstanding academic performance and leadership. These included the Academic Excellence Award, Pastor ACQ Academic Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Mooter Award, Clinical Legal Education Excellence Award, and a Service Award.
In a social media post, Codilla reflected on his academic journey, describing the transition “from lesson plans to legal briefs” as challenging but fulfilling. He dedicated his achievement to those who supported him and encouraged aspiring professionals to pursue their goals with persistence and purpose.
The DOrSU administration commends Codilla for this achievement and reaffirms its strong commitment to the continuous professional development of its faculty and staff. His accomplishment is expected to further strengthen DOrSU’s faculty profile, particularly as the university explores the possibility of offering academic programs in legal education.
Anchored on its mandate to provide quality education, foster research, and promote responsive community engagement, DOrSU aims to broaden its academic offerings to include legal studies that address regional needs and national development goals. The addition of qualified legal professionals to its academic pool supports this vision and reinforces the university’s commitment to academic excellence and public service.
As he prepares for the bar, the university extends its full support and best wishes to Assistant Professor Codilla. His journey is a source of pride for the DOrSU community, and the institution looks forward to the continued contributions he will make in both the legal profession and higher education.
