Antique: The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has celebrated a milestone as it produced its first lawyer-beneficiary in the province of Antique. Mart Mariano, hailing from Barangay Cabunga-an, San Remigio, was among the over 5,000 candidates who passed the 2025 Bar Examination, with results recently released by the Supreme Court.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jeffrey Gabucay, the 4Ps Antique Provincial Link, emphasized the significance of Mariano's accomplishment. "Mariano's passing the bar exam is living proof that poverty is not a hindrance to success," Gabucay stated. He further mentioned that Mariano would be given priority for employment opportunities at the Department of Social Welfare and Development, contingent upon his qualifications and available positions.

Mariano's family exited the Pantawid Program in 2023. Currently, Mariano is engaged in teaching Junior and Senior High School at St. Vincent High School of San Remigio, Inc. In another interview, San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission conveyed his congratulations to Mariano for his success in the Bar Examination. "I am proud of the achievement of Mariano from Barangay Cabunga-an of our municipality," Mayor Mission remarked.

The Mayor also highlighted that the remote barangay of Cabunga-an has recently seen its first Registered Nurse, who is set to commence work at the San Remigio Polyclinic shortly. Mission noted that the local government unit prioritizes employing professionals from upland barangays who have overcome challenges to achieve their aspirations.

The province of Antique now boasts 23 new lawyers following the recent bar exam results. Meanwhile, in Laoag City, an administrative aide and lady provincial security guard at the Ilocos Norte Capitol, April Mae Santos, was among the successful candidates of the Bar examinations. Santos pursued her law degree while working and raising a child, with the encouragement of colleagues and support from her family and a provincial government scholarship.

Santos, a student of Northwestern University of Laoag, passed the Bar on her second attempt after a year of self-study while maintaining her full-time job. She expressed her desire to continue serving the provincial government, attributing her success to the inspiration and support from her workplace and co-workers.

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos commended Santos and another successful candidate, Marjhon Domingo, highlighting their achievements as a reflection of excellence in public service.