Pateros lauds Pinay speaker at US law school rites
The municipal government of Pateros, Metro Manila congratulated a Filipino for being the speaker at her commencement ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, also known as Penn Carey Law, in Philadelphia, United States.
Lawyer Maria Veronica Manalo, a Pateros resident, graduated from the university law school with a Master of Laws (LLM).
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School held its commencement ceremony on May 15 at the American Academy of Music.
This year’s commencement address was delivered by women’s rights lawyer Gloria Allred.
Manalo was chosen to deliver the LLM representative’s remarks at the commencement ceremony along with another Filipino, Nester Fernando Siazon.
“Congratulations to Atty. Maria Veronica M. Manalo, daughter of Dr. Bobok Manalo and Emma MercadoManalo of Pateros, who recently graduated at the top of her class in the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School!” according to a Facebook post by the Pateros municipal government.
It added, “She is the first ever Filipina to become the Graduation Commencement speaker at Penn Carey Law School. Atty. Manalo is also a graduate of Wharton Business and Law Program, The Wharton School.”
Manalo is a graduate of the University of the Philippines.
In his introduction of Manalo at the ceremony, Ted Ruger, dean, and Bernard G. Segal, Professor of Law, said, “Maria Veronica Mercado Manolo, who comes to Penn from the Philippines, where she earned her law degree at the University of Philippines and here, was deeply involved in sort of our International Arbitration Association and a number of other activities.”
According to a news report by the Penn Carey Law, Manalo and Siazon’s remarks were commended by Ruger who said, “That was the most Philly speech ever given.”
Manalo’s remarks included an ode to Philadelphia written in verse.
Part of her remarks:
“In the city of brotherly, love where freedom is found
“We’ve treaded the streets of Philly, feet on the ground.
“From Center City to South Street, we’ve roamed
“In this vibrant city, a place we can all call home.