Free Legal Aid and Paralegal Services Clinic (FLAPSC) of IBP Misamis Occidental and Misamis University College of Law Extension Program Awarded as Most Outstanding Legal Aid Program by the IBP

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Free Legal Aid and Paralegal Services Clinic (FLAPSC) of IBP Misamis Occidental and Misamis University College of Law Extension Program Awarded as Most Outstanding Legal Aid Program by the IBP

Office of MUCEP

May2017

101

Office of MUCEP

May2017

101

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines held the 16th National Convention of Lawyers last March 23 to 26, 2017 with the theme “Global and Regional Integration of Legal Services: Challenging the Philippine Status Quo” at the Marriot Grand Ballroom, Pasay City. Lawyers from across the country attended the convention. His Excellency himself, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and other known personalities were also present during the event.

Along with the series of lectures and friendly sports competitions, awards were also given by the IBP to the outstanding members and programs. For the local IBP chapter, very remarkable and great accomplishments were achieved: first, was the Most Outstanding Legal Aid Program for Category C IBP Chapter which was granted to the Free Legal Aid and Paralegal Services Clinic (FLAPSC) Program; a partnership of the Community Extension Program of Misamis University’s College of Law and Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Misamis Occidental. The award recognizes the program implementer’s collaborative efforts in providing free legal aid and paralegal services to the community.

Exemplary awards were also given: Most Outstanding IBP Chapter for IBP Misamis Occidental under the leadership of Atty. Charles B. Rasonable, and Most Outstanding Legal Aid Clerk for Mr. Celso T. Fuentes – the President of the Purplehood Society of Misamis University College of Law, respectively.

This picture was taken during the ribbon cutting of FLAPSC last October 2015. From left: Judge Teresita N. Saa,
Faculty of Misamis University College of Law; Atty. Charles B. Rasonable, President of IBP-Misamis Occidental Chapter; Dr. Mildred M. Garcia,
Vice President for Academic Affairs of Misamis University.

The program was established through the initiative of the Purplehood Society of Misamis University College of Law, Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) and IBP – Misamis Occidental Chapter with the aim of providing Free Legal Aid and Paralegal Services to the indigent residents, pauper litigants and inmates of the different jail facilities in Misamis Occidental. To formalize this initiative, a Memorandum of Agreement was forged by the parties involved last September 15, 2015.

With the support of the University President Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon and EVP Mrs. Sonia S. Feliciano, the extension office of FLAPSC was formally opened inside the university campus last October 3, 2015. The office is manned by the students of the College of Law of Misamis University with the guidance and assistance of the members of IBP – Misamis Occidental Chapter for referrals, while MUCEP staff Ms. Goldah Grace O. Dela Peña coordinated the program. Since its operation, 139 paralegal services and 20 legal aid cases were provided to clients from the different municipalities and cities of the province.

The Heads of the Administrative Offices of Misamis University with the Faculty and Students of Misamis University College of Law and Officers of IBP-Misamis
Occidental Chapter during the ribbon-cutting and opening of FLAPSC Office generously provided by Misamis University,
and signing and turn-over of the Memorandum Of Agreement of the IBP-Mis. Occ. and MU College of Law.

Mr. Celso T. Fuentes who tirelessly managed the office in addition to his duties as the President of the Purplehood Society of Misamis University College of Law indeed deserves his Most Outstanding Legal Aid Clerk award from IBP.

The recognition received is proof of Misamis University’s commitment in improving the quality of lives of the communities, and an evidence that the university values partnership and collaboration with the stakeholders in fulfilling its mission.