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๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ด ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ - ๐๐ข๐ต๐ค๐ฉ 2001
This National Womenโs Month, we proudly feature ๐๐ต๐ต๐บ. ๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐บ-๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ญ๐ถ, BS Customs Administration Batch 2001, in our Lacsonian Alumni Spotlight.
She chose to study at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime UniversityโMolo because it was the only institution at the time offering Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration. What began as a practical decision became the strong foundation of her career in customs brokerage and, later, in the field of law.
Her student life was rewarding and formative. She thrived in the academic environment and consistently excelled among her peers, building the confidence that would later define her professional journey. One of her most memorable experiences was during the Intramurals, where she managed their selling booth. That early exposure to trade and commerce became a meaningful preparation for the industry she would soon serve.
After graduating from John B., she pursued a degree in Law and was eventually admitted to the Philippine Bar. Guided by perseverance, she established herself in two demanding professions. She placed 8th in the 2001 Customs Broker Licensure Examination, pioneered Iloilo-based customs brokerage services, and earned the Top Broker Award in the Port of Iloilo. She also served as Lead Broker for all import shipments of the New Iloilo Airport Development Project, a major milestone in her career. Her admission to the Bar further strengthened her ability to serve with competence and authority.
As a young customs broker, she encountered challenging personalities and non-compliant officers. Instead of backing down, she relied on her strong technical training in computation, tariff classification, and trade procedures. She learned that knowledge is protection. When you are grounded in the rules, you can assert what is right with confidence and integrity, even in the face of pressure or questionable practices.
She also reminds todayโs students to prepare for full digitalization and customs modernization, especially with the increasing volume of containerized import shipments in the Iloilo region. The industry continues to evolve, and those who stay prepared will lead.
Her message to the present generation of Lacsonians reflects both wisdom and strength:
โThe field is not always level, and you will encounter those who underestimate you. Your ultimate loadout is expertise. Start mastering the law now. Point your moral compass true so that when faced with pressure or questionable practices, you have the knowledge to stand your ground and prevail.โ
This Womenโs Month, we celebrate Atty. Jerilee Uy-Conlu, a Lacsonian woman whose perseverance, mastery of the law, and unwavering integrity continue to make a lasting impact.