The Association of Legal Management Majors (ALMMa) of the University of Batangas (UB) conducted the “ALMMalasakit Outreach Program: Binding Communities Through Solicitude – Free Legal Consultation” on May 6, 2023, at Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City, to promote community awareness and access to justice through legal education.
The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly Indicator 16.3, which advocates for the promotion of the rule of law and equal access to justice at all levels.
Held at the Barangay Hall of Sta. Clara, in coordination with Hon. Derick B. Arago, Barangay Captain, the activity aimed to assist barangay officials and tanods in managing disputes and mediations under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law. The session emphasized the value of due process and amicable settlement in ensuring efficient, community-level conflict resolution.
Atty. Jonathan Paolo Dimaano, ALMMa Adviser, led the lecture alongside ALMMa executive officers and student volunteers. The discussion focused on the Katarungang Pambarangay Law and Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. This was followed by an open consultation, where barangay officials shared real cases and received legal guidance from the facilitators.
The outreach concluded with a presentation of a token of appreciation to Hon. Arago and the distribution of food packs to the participants.
Through this initiative, ALMMa reaffirmed its commitment to legal literacy, ethical governance, and community empowerment. The program also underscored the role of student involvement in connecting academic knowledge with public service, promoting a culture of compassion, civic responsibility, and justice within Batangas City.