IBP’s 26th Board of Governors take oath in a special en banc session

(Top left and right photo) The Governors after the en banc session and during the inaugural dinner and oath-taking;  (Below left and right photo) Atty. Taguinod inside the Supreme Court; and: Atty. Annalyn Sherry F. Hibo-Gamboa; Atty. Lucky M. Damasen and; Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod. (Contributed photos)

MANILA, Philippines– Acting Chief Justice Hon. Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen administered the oath-taking of the 26th Board of Governors of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in a special en banc session in Supreme Court of the Philippines on July 4, 2023.

The new Governors are Atty. Allan G. Panolong for Western Mindanao and IBP’s Executive Vice President; Atty. Minerva R. Magtanao-Taguinod for Northern Luzon; Atty. Kriden F. Balmogera for Greater Manila; Atty. Pitero M. Reig for Southern Luzon; Annalyn Sherry F. Hibo-Gamboa for Bicolandia; Atty. Marlo V. Destura for Eastern Vizayas; Atty. Rafael Cresencio C. Tan, Jr. for Western Vizayas; Atty. Peter Neil E. Trinidad for Eastern Mindanao.

Atty. Antonio C. Pido also took oath on the same occasion as the 27th National President of the IBP. His term covers from July 1, 2023, to June 23, 2025.

The Awarding of Plaques of Recognition and Appreciation to the outgoing Governors was held at the Inaugural Dinner and Oath-taking of national officers and commissioners held at the Pandango-Polkabal Ballroom at the Manila Hotel. It was attended by Chief Justice Leonen,  the keynote speaker, and Associate Justices Hon. Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and Hon. Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa.

For Northern Luzon, Atty. Taguinod handed the award to Atty. Lucky M. Damasen.

Taguinod, being new in the position is expected to make some changes in her area of responsibility. To recall, she mentioned in her speech as a guest speaker during the testimonial dinner and recognition of new lawyers in Ilocos Sur that her leadership will work out for the fast release and increase in the legal aid subsidy.

Taguinod is a private law practitioner who was born and raised in Kalinga. She is the first woman here who was elected as IBP Governor in its 50 years of existence.

Meanwhile, this year’s celebration was dubbed IBP@50: Continuing the Legacy of Touching Lives and  Making a Difference.# Mae Barangan