CONGW. "ATTY. MIGS" MARGARITA BENDIGO NOGRALES
is a woman of many talents. As a neophyte congresswoman representing the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) partylist, she has quickly made a name for herself in the 19th Congress of the Philippines. But her path to politics was not a straight one.
BACKGROUND
Born and raised in Davao City, Atty. Migs grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father, the late Representative Prospero “Boy” Nograles, served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010, while her brother Karlo is now the chairman of the Civil Service Commission. Her other brother, Koko, was a former representative of the PBA partylist.
Despite her family’s legacy in politics, Atty. Migs was not always sure that she wanted to follow in their footsteps. “Running for office and serving the community was something that was not forced on me,” she shared. “But I saw the heart of public service at a young age and it has always been a part of me.”
Running for office and serving the community was something that was not forced on me. But I saw the heart of public service at a young age and it has always been a part of me.
Before entering politics, Atty. Migs pursued a career in law. She took up her bachelor’s degree in Ateneo de Manila University and earned her double degree in Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the De La Salle University and Far Eastern University Consortium, graduating as Valedictorian with a Gold Medal for Academic Excellence. While she was taking up her Juris Doctor and MBA degree, she took up various graduate degrees abroad at the University of Oxford in England, King’s College Dickson Poon School of Law in England, Columbia University Global Center in Paris, France, and Fordham University in New York, USA. Having studied in the Philippines, in the United States and Europe, Atty. Migs has a sterling educational background to back her up as she takes on her many roles.
NOGRALES
ILIGAN
CAYCO
ABAN
& DABI
LAW
She has since co-founded the Nograles Ilagan Cayco Aban & Dabi (NICAD) Law firm in Davao City. She is a proud member of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution (PICCR) and the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) cementing her commitment to finding ways for parties in conflict to settle their disputes amicably without the need to undergo lengthy court litigation.
On top of that, she is a law professor at the Ateneo de Davao College of Law, Rizal Memorial Colleges School of Law, St. Thomas More School of Law and Business, and an instructor of the College of Business at the University of Mindanao.
She even hosts her own online show, Paano Ba Attorney?, where she provides free legal advice to the public and answers questions sent in by the audience.
To be able to juggle her responsibilities in the House of Representatives, her law firm, and as a professor in various schools is definitely a feat in itself. The sheer amount of will, talent, and skill all of this take is a testament to how capable she is as a person, as a leader, and as a woman.
A WOMAN WITH A CALLING, FLOURISHING
Atty. Migs is also a strong advocate for gender equality and youth sports development. As a lawmaker, she has sponsored bills that address various issues in these fields.
She currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader of the 19th Congress, Vice Chairman of five committees, and member of 21 different committees.
Under her wing since July 2022, PBA Partylist was able to assist 20,362 persons for medical and financial assistance, file 40 House Bills, file 42 House Resolutions, get 13 House Bills approved, and adopt 22 House Resolutions as of January 2023.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Atty. Migs has not been immune to discrimination and bullying as a woman in a male-dominated field. But she has not let these obstacles discourage her. “It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, and fearlessness for a woman to live in a man’s world,” she emphasized.
As women living during this modern era, we have to work together, uplift each other, and push each other to survive and help the Filipino people.
Being a millennial, Atty. Migs has mastered the art of social media. She regularly conducts live sessions on her social media accounts where she responds to questions posed by her followers. Additionally, she shares brief video clips offering clear and concise answers to legal queries from her audience. With her numerous achievements, she receives frequent invitations to speak at various events, where she uses her voice to inspire women and the youth and urges listeners to take action in making positive contributions to society in their own unique ways.
With all the love and dedication she puts into her work, Atty. Migs understands the importance of self-care, enjoyment, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She periodically shares cheerful pictures and vlogs of her culinary explorations, social gatherings, and on-the-go lifestyle tips, giving her followers a peek into her daily routine. By doing so, she provides her audience with an idea of what it feels like to be in her shoes.
Atty. Migs is a force to be reckoned with in Philippine politics. Her dedication to public service, advocacy for gender equality and youth sports development, and impressive academic and professional accomplishments are proof of her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on her community and the country as a whole.