Iloilo launches legal literacy program

The Iloilo provincial government has partnered with the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Law to introduce basic legal education to high school students through the “alaLAYI: Pag-ubay Legal sa Kabataan” program.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., CPU College of Law Dean Atty. Aila Rae Endonila, and Department of Education (DepEd) Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement on 8 April at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby. 

The launch is part of the ongoing Semana sang Iloilo celebration.

The program will be implemented in teen centers supported by the Provincial Population Office (PPO), with law students from CPU’s Legal Aid Clinic and Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) conducting lectures and seminars on legal topics. 

These include gender-based laws, sexuality education and voter’s education. Basic legal services such as legal advice, referrals and document preparation will also be offered.

According to PPO chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio, alaLAYI is a combination of the Hiligaynon words alalay (to guide) and layi (law), aimed at guiding youth through legal knowledge.

Initial implementation will cover teen centers in the municipalities of Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Oton, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara and Zarraga. 

The province currently has 102 teen centers, five of which have been upgraded to “Teen Center 2.0.” A flagship center is also set to open at Iloilo National High School.

Witnesses to the MoA signing included CPU assistant dean Atty. Liza Lyn Lamason-Garcia, POPCOM Region VI director Harold Alfred Marshall, IBP Iloilo Chapter president Atty. Mehelinda Penetrante, and DepEd SGOD chief Dr. Gilbert Solidum.

Governor Defensor said the initiative supports the province’s Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya agenda, which aims to align education with the needs of government and the economy. 

He added that providing students with basic legal knowledge helps prepare them for responsible participation in society.