Emmanuel “Mickey” Ortega, ’20, is a passionate advocate for global citizenship who has made a significant impact in the Philippines and beyond. Born in Iriga City, Philippines, Ortega earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Saint Anthony (USANT) and later pursued his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in Metro Manila.
Ortega’s desire to broaden his horizons and develop a global perspective led him to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at McGeorge School of Law. During his time at McGeorge, he passed the Philippine Bar Exam in 2019, an achievement that only 27 percent of examinees accomplished. He passed the California Bar Exam in 2021.
After graduating from McGeorge School of Law, Ortega began working as an attorney at a law firm in Los Angeles. However, his life took a sudden turn when his father passed away in the Philippines, and he was asked to become the president of USANT. Despite the challenges, Ortega made the leap and took on the role, hand-in-hand with his wife, who had never been to Iriga City before.
As president of USANT, Ortega has been driven by a desire to make a greater difference in the lives of his fellow Filipino students, staff, and faculty. He believes that education is a powerful tool for creating positive change and has worked tirelessly to foster an environment that encourages students to think and live as global citizens.
Ortega’s experiences at McGeorge and UA&P have instilled in him a sense of purpose and a commitment to being an agent of change. He credits these institutions for helping him develop a mindset that values personal growth and audacity. He encourages current McGeorge students to “go outside your comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and enjoy the community.”
Today, Ortega is widely respected for his leadership and vision. He has received acclaim from students, teachers, non-teaching personnel, and other stakeholders at USANT. His ultimate goal is to empower students to contextualize their local endeavors within the global community and emerge from USANT as well-equipped individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.
Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.