Inclusive legal service marks DivinaLaw’s 19th year

Leading law firm DivinaLaw marked its 19th year yesterday, April 19th, by highlighting its legal engagements, standing by its clients through their biggest challenges.

The law firm makes “their battles our own, and redefining what it means to be legal advocates in a constantly evolving world,” it said in a social media post.

“We look ahead fueled by the same passion that brought us here — to serve with integrity, to keep raising the bar in the legal profession, and to continue upholding the standard of excellence that defines DivinaLaw,” the firm indicated.

It added, “With 19 years behind us, the future looks even brighter.”

One of its recent achievements was to enhance access to justice for underserved communities. DivinaLaw and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bulacan Chapter have formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to bolster the Dulog Legal program in Bulacan province.

The recent signing ceremony, held in Malolos, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to deliver free, community-based legal aid to those who need it most.

The agreement was signed by Atty. Nilo T. Divina, managing partner of DivinaLaw and Atty. Rosario R. Bautista, President of the IBP Bulacan Chapter.

Key figures from both organizations attended the event, including Mary Jude C. Marvel, head of DivinaLaw’s pro bono initiative, Jayson S. Villanueva, director of IBP Bulacan, and a cadre of dedicated lawyers committed to advancing public service.

The agreement solidifies IBP Bulacan’s support for Dulog Legal, a program designed to bridge the gap between legal services and marginalized communities, ensuring that justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to all.

A shared vision for legal empowerment

Dulog Legal, a flagship pro bono initiative spearheaded by DivinaLaw, has been at the forefront of providing free legal assistance across the Philippines since its inception. The program, which translates to “approach” or “consult” in Filipino, embodies the ethos of bringing legal services directly to communities, particularly those in remote or economically disadvantaged areas. Through legal clinics, educational seminars, and direct representation, Dulog Legal addresses a wide range of issues, from land disputes and family matters to labor rights and criminal defense, empowering individuals who might otherwise be silenced by the complexities of the legal system.

The partnership with IBP Bulacan, a chapter of the national mandatory bar association for Filipino lawyers, amplifies these efforts by tapping into the local expertise and networks of Bulacan’s legal community.

Established under Republic Act 6397 and formalized by Presidential Decree 189 in 1973, the IBP has long been a pillar of the Philippine legal profession, fostering professional development and public service among its members.

The Bulacan Chapter, known for its active engagement in local governance and community outreach, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the province’s unique legal challenges.

Divina, whose firm grew from a modest practice in 2006 to a powerhouse with over 100 lawyers, emphasized the collaboration’s transformative potential.

“This partnership with IBP Bulacan is a testament to our shared commitment to making justice accessible,” he said during the signing ceremony.

“Dulog Legal is about meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and providing them with the tools to navigate their legal challenges. With IBP Bulacan’s support, we can reach deeper into the heart of this province and make a lasting impact.”

Bautista echoed this sentiment, highlighting the IBP’s role in advancing public welfare. “The IBP Bulacan Chapter is proud to join hands with DivinaLaw in this noble endeavor,” she stated.

“Our lawyers are ready to roll up their sleeves and work alongside Dulog Legal to serve our kababayans who have long been underserved by the legal system.”

Addressing Bulacan’s legal needs

Bulacan is home to over 3.7 million people, many of whom live in rural areas or urbanizing towns where legal services are limited.

Rapid industrialization, coupled with longstanding issues like land disputes and labor conflicts, has created a pressing need for legal aid.

Small farmers facing eviction, workers denied fair wages, and families entangled in domestic disputes often lack the resources to seek professional help, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation or injustice.

Dulog Legal’s community-based approach is uniquely suited to address these challenges. By setting up mobile legal clinics in barangays, partnering with local government units, and conducting legal literacy workshops, the program demystifies the law and empowers residents to assert their rights.

Marvel shared insights into the program’s operations in Bulacan. “Our goal is to create a sustainable model of legal aid,” she explained.

“This means not only providing direct assistance but also building capacity within communities. We teach people how to understand contracts, file complaints, or seek mediation, so they can advocate for themselves long after our clinics are gone.”

Public service milestone

DivinaLaw brings its national reach, legal expertise, and innovative approaches, as evidenced by its recent initiatives like the 2025 Compendious Bar Review Series and its partnerships with international law committees.

The IBP Bulacan Chapter, meanwhile, offers localized knowledge and a commitment to the IBP’s mandate of public service, as seen in its participation in regional conventions and legal education programs.

The agreement outlines key collaboration areas, including deploying IBP Bulacan lawyers to Dulog Legal clinics, co-organizing legal awareness campaigns, and developing referral systems to connect clients with specialized services.

It also establishes a framework for monitoring and evaluating the program’s impact, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that the needs of Bulacan’s communities are met.

IBP Bulacan’s Villanueva underscored the practical implications of the partnership. “This MoA allows us to pool our resources and amplify our reach,” he said. “Whether it’s a farmer in San Jose del Monte or a factory worker in Meycauayan, we want them to know that help is available, and it’s free.”

Looking ahead

The collaboration comes at a time when the demand for pro bono legal services is surging, driven by economic pressures and social inequalities exacerbated by recent global challenges. DivinaLaw’s track record in arbitration, litigation, and public interest cases demonstrates its capacity to handle complex legal matters, while its pro bono work reflects a broader commitment to social justice.

Similarly, the IBP’s legacy of upholding the rule of law, coupled with its regional chapters’ grassroots efforts, positions it as a vital partner in this endeavor.

As Dulog Legal expands in Bulacan, both organizations are optimistic about its potential to serve as a model for other provinces. Plans are already underway to replicate the partnership with other IBP chapters, creating a nationwide network of legal aid hubs.

“This is just the beginning,” Atty. Divina remarked. “Our vision is a Philippines where no one is left behind because they can’t afford a lawyer.”

For the residents of Bulacan, the impact is immediate. With Dulog Legal and IBP Bulacan working hand in hand, communities once sidelined by the legal system now have a voice. The MoA is not just a document; it’s a promise — a promise of justice, empowerment, and hope for a province ready to embrace a fairer future.