MORE than a decade ago, Roger Nocom swapped his chalkboard for a courtroom, embarking on a journey that led him to his true calling. Today, he serves as the newly-appointed Judge of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in Baganga, Davao Oriental.
Nocom’s path to public service was far from linear. Initially pursuing an education major in English, he shifted courses multiple times before settling on mathematics, which he taught for over a decade at the Davao City National High School (DCNHS). During his teaching career, he inspired students to embrace math in their daily lives, trained fellow educators, and contributed to the development of Grade 7 K-12 manuals.
"Fulfillment for me was seeing my students succeed in life," Nocom shared, adding that their gratitude remains a source of pride. Yet, he eventually yearned for a new challenge.
"Teaching became repetitive, and I wanted something different," he admitted. This desire led him to pursue law at the University of Mindanao while juggling teaching work.
Aside from the time, studying law was costly for him, But he overcame the struggle.
While on break from teaching, he takes some time to review, even listening to the recordings of the class discussions.
On the day of the bar exam, Nocom felt how his students felt during exams.
"Nakaingon ko, 'Ing-ani diay ang feeling sa akong mga estudyante paglisod akong exam. Mura’g nakabalos sila sa ako," he jokingly said.
The first take was quite heartbreaking for him as he fell short of making the cut.
"Ato na time, 73 [percent] ang passing rate unya akong grade is 72.5. Point five na lang unta," Nocom said, admitting that on the third and last day of the exam, he became nonplussed and experienced a mental blackout.
"Literal na dili ga-move akong hands to write, unya literal na pagbasa nako sa booklet, even ako dili kasabot sa akong gibasa. During that time, handwritten pa ang examination. Even I can't understand my handwriting," he confessed.
He already expected it. But this did not stop him.
In his second take, he came more than prepared. Finally, he passed the bar.Roger Nocom with his fellow attorneys at the Public Attorney's Office.
After passing the bar, Nocom joined the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in Davao City, where he discovered a deeper purpose in helping those without resources for legal representation. Cases of acquittals, restored wages, and prevented evictions solidified his passion for justice.
"At PAO, I learned to love my profession. Seeing clients return to thank me, despite not paying a cent, was deeply fulfilling," he said.
His dedication to public service earned him the Outstanding PAO Lawyer–Davao Region title in 2022.
After nearly a decade of being a lawyer, Nocom sought to "level up" his efforts to help others — this time through the judiciary.
"What if I take my desire to help to the next level? Now, I’m in a position where I can truly make a difference — not just because someone is in need, but to ensure justice is served. Justice isn’t just for the accused; it’s for everyone, including the victims," Nocom shared.
As a judge, he reflects on the similarities between teaching and law: both grounded in public service. While he once shaped students’ futures, he now shoulders the responsibility of delivering justice, where lives and liberty are at stake.
"It’s a different kind of responsibility. You have to give it your all because justice demands nothing less," he said.
Although Nocom admits that becoming a Supreme Court justice is a dream, he isn’t focused on climbing the ranks just yet. Instead, he is content with and fully committed to his current role.
"Every lawyer dreams of sitting in one of those chairs, but it’s not on my mind right now. If God grants me that opportunity someday, I’ll be very happy," he said.
Despite his father’s background as a barangay captain, Nocom is not considering a future in politics.
"Politics would limit how I can help others. I want to assist people in ways where I can make the most impact," he explained.
Outside the courtroom, Nocom is a devoted father to his daughter and a loving husband to his wife, Niña, who was once a student at the school where he taught. Despite their 13-year age gap, fate brought them together. Their paths often crossed during school events and outside activities, such as Niña’s participation in beauty pageants, including Mutya ng Dabaw. Their relationship officially began after Nocom became a lawyer.
From math lessons to legal arguments, his journey is proof that reinvention knows no bounds.
Looking back, Nocom is proud of what he has achieved.
Teaching math was his past; upholding the law is his present. The courtroom is his new classroom, and justice is the lesson he teaches.
“If you aspire to become a lawyer, don’t think it’s only for the exceptionally smart. With passion and determination, believe in yourself — you can achieve it,” he said. RGL