When she was only three years old, Lynjoy Roque would start going with her father to the Hall of Justice in Tagum City in Davao del Norte.

He worked as a janitor there.

As he cleaned the chambers of judges or the library, he would encourage Roque to read books and he would tell her that she would become a lawyer one day.

“Habang nagalimpyo siya sa mga offices sa mga judges, sa library, naa pud ko didtoa nga nagsabay-sabay and ma-remember nako at a very early age mo ana si papa nga basahon na nimo nga libro. Next time, mag-lawyer pud ka ha and na-instill siya sa akoa,” Roque said.

Her father’s words left a lasting impression on Roque but the path to an education was not all smooth.

Roque said she witnessed how her parents sacrificed to support her and her two siblings. Her mother took on side jobs selling goods and raising pigs.

This inspired her to work hard in school.

Roque became a consistent honor student and worked diligently to earn scholarships in college. Her hard work paid off when she graduated cum laude and passed the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountant.

“Naging inspiration siya sa akoa to strive harder to pursue my academics kay mao lang man gud ang mapamana sa amoa sa among parents… walay property nga ma-pass down sa amoa but only the education,” Roque added.

Because she had to work full time to help provide for the family, law school did not come easy for Roque. Her regimen for survival included proper time management, determination, and faith in God.

Her sister, Lynden, an engineer, said there would be days when Roque would get only two hours of sleep.

“All the sleepless nights… usahay, duha ka oras lang iyang tulog kay working pud tapos naga provide siya sa family grabe gyud iyang effort so happy kaayo mi sa iyang achievement,” Lynden said.

When Roque was reviewing for the bar, she had to stay close to her father again, but unlike their trips to his workplace in the past, she had to accompany him, this time, in the hospital where he was battling an illness.

While keeping an eye on her father, she would pore over notes and reading materials to prepare for exams.

The sleepless nights did not go to waste.

On January 7, 2026, the Supreme Court announced Roque was among 5,594 examinees who passed the 2025 Bar Examinations. Her family, her father most especially, could not be any prouder.

Her father, now out of the hospital, saw the day his wish was granted.

At the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) where Roque worked for the Philippine Rural Development Project, Director Bong Gonzaga said he encourages members of his team to pursue higher education.

“I am very happy. In fact, I am urging the employees - if you have a chance, continue your education. I am open to that subject to our department policy… pwede nato mahatagan og considerations,” he said.

Now that she has fulfilled her father’s wish, Roque intends to serve at the Public Attorney’s Office and hopes to use her legal expertise to help the underprivileged.

“Giampo nako siya kung asa ko i-lead ni God… gusto nako ma-glorify or mag-serve sa iyang people… lahi ra man gud maging voice of the last, least, and the lost,” she said.