The Association of Legal Management Majors (ALMMa) of the University of Batangas (UB), in partnership with the officials of Barangay 19, conducted the “Legmalasakit Outreach Program: Free Legal Consultation and KPL and Anti-VAWC Law Seminar” on May 10, 2024. The initiative aimed to enhance legal awareness and promote access to justice at the community level.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, the program sought to equip barangay officials with the knowledge and skills to effectively administer justice within their jurisdiction, particularly in handling disputes and cases involving women and children.
To provide professional assistance, ALMMa partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Batangas Chapter, represented by Atty. Ferdinand Allan U. Alda and Atty. Joel Atienza, who led the free legal consultation. Residents had the opportunity to raise personal legal concerns and receive guidance directly from the attending lawyers.
Simultaneously, seminars on the Katarungang Pambarangay Law (KPL) and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (Anti-VAWC) Law were conducted by Brandon Juan O. Maralit, Cresan Jenel Aubrey Gonda, and Ray-Anne Lopez, all fourth-year BS Legal Management students. The discussions highlighted the duties of the Sangguniang Barangay in mediating disputes and addressing domestic violence cases in line with Philippine law.
The outreach successfully strengthened the capacity of barangay officials in local justice administration and enhanced community response to Anti-VAWC-related cases. It also extended free legal aid to residents, reinforcing the value of community-based legal education and advocacy.
Through the Legmalasakit Outreach Program, ALMMa continues to promote legal literacy, accountability, and compassion, bridging academic learning with civic engagement to build stronger and more just communities.