Naga, Philippines – The EU Ambassador Luc Véron paid a visit to the College of Law at Ateneo de Naga University on March 7, 2024. The university is a recipient of grant funds under the Clinical Legal Education Program of the EU-GOJUST grants program.
During his visit, Ambassador Véron and his delegation engaged with university officials to gain insights into how the project has enhanced access to justice by providing complimentary legal services in 27 barangays of Naga City.
These services are complemented by capacity-building training for dispute resolution, marking a pioneering initiative in the Bicol Region supported by EU-GOJUST II. The Clinical Legal Education Program, a program of the Supreme Court, aims to make law students not only practice-ready but also socially responsible.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Law Student Practitioner Klarissa Lasala shared, “I entered law school with a dream of bridging the gap between the people and the law. The experience has been a two-way learning journey for us. It's always different from theory since we’re gaining experience."
A significant milestone in this endeavor was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) and the Naga City Government in August 2023. This MOA established Barangay Legal Aid Desks across all 27 barangays, providing vital support to communities and families in the region.
Executive Judge Pablo Formaran III, as Convener of the Justice Zone of Naga City, was also present during the visit. The Naga City Justice Zone, supported under Result 1 of EU-GOJUST, marks the 6th Justice Zone in the Philippines. Justice Zones facilitate collaboration among local justice sector actors to identify and address common problems.
Discussions during the visit highlighted services offered within the Naga Justice Zone, including the Barangay Integrated Legal Information Service. This service aims to enhance skills and knowledge among trainers to enable efficient dispute resolution within barangays.
Ambassador Véron expressed his appreciation for the impactful work being done through the EU-GOJUST initiative in Naga. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting access to justice and empowering communities.
The visit of Ambassador Véron underscores the commitment of the European Union to supporting initiatives that promote justice, gender equality, and community empowerment.