Bangsamoro lawyer and Shari’ah Counselor Ashyanna Alexine Adia Amira-Labi A. Bangcola recently took her oath as a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Class IV of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

As the new Principal Assistant at the DFA Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, she helps safeguard and promote the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone and the West Philippine Sea.

“The sea and its wealth of resources are our heritage,” she started. “We must remember that we are its custodians. We must fulfill our responsibility to protect our territory for future generations.”

“Being a lawyer and an FSO provides me an official platform to make real changes,” she added. “I am fortunate enough to be working at a government institution that allows me to pursue those advocacies in my line of work.”

Bangcola is a co-founder of Global Marawi, a digital site which seeks to put the city on an international scale and eradicate the prejudice against its inhabitants. She looks forward to spreading awareness about the Bangsamoro identity and culture, peace and human rights, and the empowerment of women and the youth.

She likewise champions peace and conflict resolution, interfaith and interreligious dialogue, rights of internally displaced persons, human security, good governance and sustainable development.

“I am a staunch advocate of peace-building and the protection of the rights of minorities and the oppressed,” she expressed.

Bangcola finished Consular and Diplomatic Affairs at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Diplomacy and Governance. She was a Benildean Excellence in Scholastics and Talent (BEST) scholar, a coveted grant bestowed to applicants with exceptional academic performance and impeccable leadership qualities.

The Benildean Student Envoy (BSE) recounted the many opportunities offered by the college, from intensive lectures to extracurriculars abroad.

“Everything I learned helped me prepare for the FSO Exam and continues to assist me now that I am an officer myself. We were mentored to think critically, present our points in a convincing and persuasive manner, conduct ourselves in formal and diplomatic settings, and on matters of protocol.”

Bangcola graduated Cum Laude. She was honored with the Student Leadership Award.

She then pursued Juris Doctor at the Arellano University School of Law, where she earned the 8th Honorable Mention and the Order of the Flaming Arrows Award.

Prior to becoming an FSO IV, she served as an Economic Diplomacy and Systems Research Assistant at the DFA Office of International Economic Relations and Technical Assistant at the Policy, Planning, and Research Division of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

She likewise served as an educator at the Mindanao State University College of Law. She is a Legal Researcher at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority of the Office of Member of Parliament Atty. Maisara C. Dandamun-Latiph at the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao in Marawi City.

Her academic papers on interfaith and interreligious dialogue and Marawi rehabilitation were also presented at various peace research conferences.

She is an active member of diverse groups, including Kalilintad sa Lanao, a community-based volunteer organization that fosters peace in Lanao del Sur through youth empowerment, education, and initiatives.

“Read,” Bangcola stressed when asked for her advice to aspiring lawyers. “It may seem obvious but it will surely help you build the foundation of your knowledge.”

Bangcola added a gentle reminder about the importance of motivation. “If you are working for something greater –whether it be for family, community, or a higher purpose – then never forget that spark, especially when you face hardship or roadblocks along your way.”

She likewise encouraged the youth to do their best even during times of failure. “Give it your all and then some – nothing is ever wasted effort,” she noted. “Even when you do not get the outcome you want at first, there is still value in learning and improving.”

“Do not sacrifice either mind or heart. Pursue excellence and at the same time have empathy for others.”