BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has made a significant stride in legal education with the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new P100-million law building dedicated to its Juris Doctor programs.
The facility, set to rise within the UPV Iloilo City campus, underscores the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities for aspiring legal professionals in the Visayas region.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, a distinguished alumnus of the UP College of Law, led the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.
A Bar topnotcher and Harvard Law graduate, Angara highlighted the importance of accessible and quality legal education, especially in regions outside Metro Manila.
In his speech, Angara commended the efforts of the UPV administration and Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Representative James “Jojo” Ang Jr. for their collaboration in turning this vision into reality.
He underscored the impact of the new building in shaping the next generation of lawyers who will uphold justice and serve the community.
Angara added that the establishment of this law building represents a commitment to fostering legal excellence in Iloilo and beyond, while positioning UPV as a significant contributor to the country’s legal education landscape.
In an interview, UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano expressed enthusiasm over the construction of the new P100-million UP College of Law building in Iloilo City, calling it a major development for aspiring lawyers seeking the prestigious UP brand of legal education.
“We are very happy with this development and hope that through this, UP Visayas will become an even more integral part of the growth in Iloilo of UP brand of legal education,” Camposano said.
He emphasized UP’s legacy of providing quality legal education, producing not only Bar exam passers but also exceptional legal professionals.
“We produce not just graduates who are able to ace the Bar exam, but also graduates who become exemplary living legal professionals,” Camposano added.
A P100-million budget has been allocated for the construction of the UP College of Law-Iloilo building, which is set to commence this year.
The new facility will occupy the site of the current cafeteria within the UP Visayas Iloilo City campus, marking a significant development in expanding legal education opportunities in the region.
Assistant Professor Andre Palacios, the Faculty Coordinator for UP College of Law extension classes at UP Visayas, noted the funding for this project is included in UP’s 2024 budget.
The UP Law extension program at UPV was initiated in September 2021 under the leadership of former UP President Danilo Concepcion, with support from UP Law Dean Edgardo Carlo Vistan II and UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano.
The program was launched as part of UP’s celebration of 75 years in Iloilo, providing a platform for aspiring lawyers in the Visayas.
Palacios also emphasized the importance of this development in strengthening UP’s commitment to making quality legal education accessible in the region.
He added that the building will serve as a dedicated space for Juris Doctor programs, fostering legal excellence in the Visayas./PN
