12 December 2014
The family of the late Philippine ambassador to Canada and former PLM regent Raul Goco made good the wishes of the illustrious legal luminary to donate his law book collections to the law school that is dearest to his heart. Goco soon took the reins of the PLM College of Law as its second dean, according to incumbent Law dean Ernesto Maceda Jr., barely three (3) months after its establishment.
In simple yet meaningful ceremonies, PLM president Ma. Leonora Vasquez-de Jesus was on hand to formally receive Goco’s personal book collection. She expressed appreciation before the Goco family for the act of generosity, even as she extolled the strong impact of receiving the select collection of law books to the excellence that the College exudes as the 4th best law school in the country, next to UP, Ateneo de Manila and San Beda law schools. Under De Jesus’ leadership, PLM is on a renewed vigor to expand the realms of its academic excellence.
Lawyer Raphael Kenneth E. Ybañez, PLM board and university secretary, welcomed the audience, while Maceda delivered a tribute-like introduction of Goco who, on top of being a long-time public servant in various capacities, was one of the longest-serving regents of the University. Goco was the country’s Solicitor General under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos.
Leading the turn-over were Goco’s widow, Ma. Corazon, and eldest son, Emmanuel Pio, who delivered his family's message.
A noted world jurist, Goco’s long experience and distinguished career in the national and international fronts led him to appreciate the finest law books across nations. His strong affinity to the academe and deep inclination to the advancement of the legal profession were what goaded him to pool in that in him mind were the finest books out there.