MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.net/ 07 January 2026)–The full-time banker and mom-of-three from Bukidnon State University Law is Mindanao’s sole topnotcher in the 2025 Bar Examinations, ranking 14th nationwide.

Gerilin Ano-os Gascon posted an 89.79 percent rating in the results released by the Supreme Court today. The 33-year-old joined the roster of 20 topnotchers mainly comprised of graduates from Manila law schools.

Gascon is a certified public accountant, currently working at the Bukidnon Lending Center of Landbank Malaybalay.

“Since her law student days, we have always identified Gascon as particularly excellent and diligent in her studies despite her being a full-time mother and full-time government employee,” said College of Law faculty member Micah Stefan Dagaerag.

Last year, the college organized a Bar Exam drill for the first time, which included mock exams and one-on-one coaching sessions by faculty and alumni volunteers.

“Through innovative pedagogy, responsive curriculum development, and a culture of mentorship, we have consistently prepared candidates to meet the rigorous demands of the Bar and to enter the legal profession with competence, integrity, and fidelity to the rule of law,” said College of Law Dean Ophelia Pilar Rubio-Zamora.

Gascon leads the 31 bar passers from BukSU. They join the 5,594 successful examinees nationwide out of the 11,424 who completed the three-day grueling tests conducted in September across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Jhenroniel Rhey Sanchez of the University of the Philippines leads the pack with his 92.70 percent rating.

The exams covered six subjects: Political and Public International Law; Commercial and Taxation Laws; Civil Law; Labor Law and Social Legislations; Criminal Law; and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises.

Two subjects were tackled per exam day with 20 essay questions per subject.

The new lawyers are scheduled to take their oath on February 6 at the Philippine Arena.