To enhance its academic portfolio and address the legal education needs in the region, Biliran Province State University is making strides towards offering a Juris Doctor program. 

From September 4 to 5, a seven-member delegation from BiPSU conducted a series of benchmarking activities and consultations in law schools and institutions in Manila to gather insights and best practices in legal education. The team aimed to learn about law school administration, operational strategies, facilities management, faculty recruitment, curriculum design, and student support systems.

The delegation, led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., included key university officials namely, Atty. Guiller G. Delfin, legal officer; Danica A. Ybañez, records officer; Joe Bryan C. Cadiente, university librarian; Roderick A. Delda, Engineering and Physical Development officer; Paul Matthew S. Bentor, information technology officer; and Engr. Maria Jobel A. Arcabado, engineering and physical development staff. 

On September 4, the BiPSU delegation held a benchmarking visit at Arellano University in Manila, where the team was welcomed by Atty. Domingo M. Navarro, dean of the Arellano University School of Law (AUSL), Atty. Gabriel P. Dela Peña, executive director of the AUSL, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Hon. Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. The entire AUSL administrative and support staff expressed their honor at BiPSU's choice of Arellano for its first benchmarking efforts. 

Meanwhile, the delegation moved to San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law (SSC-R Law) in the afternoon, where they were welcomed by Atty. Teodoro A. Pastrana, SSC-R Law dean; Atty. Aristotle M. Dumalo, associate dean; and Mr. Darius Vien Darunday, president of the SSC-R Law Executive Council and a BiPSU alumnus. 

Dean Pastrana, who is also the President of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, pledged to support BiPSU in its plan to establish a Juris Doctor program.

The visit to both law schools also included a tour of their facilities, including classrooms, moot courts, libraries, ICT rooms, and faculty lounges. 

During the visits, Dr. Cañezo explained BiPSU's motivation to open a law school. "This initiative is about providing opportunities for the less fortunate and deserving students of Biliran.” In addition, Dr. Cañezo also shared that “BiPSU aims to produce competent legal professionals who will serve both our province and the nation.”

After visiting AU School of Law and SSC-R College of Law, the BiPSU delegation held a consultation visit with the Legal Education Board (LEB), led by its Chair, Commissioner Jason R. Barlis, CPA, and Commissioner Voltaire G. San Pedro. The delegation sought guidance on the application process for opening a law school, including the requirements and procedures set by the LEB — a regulatory body of all the public and private law schools in the Philippines. 

In his Facebook post, Dr. Cañezo echoed that it is the advocacy of LEB to make legal education accessible to as many people as possible, reflecting LEB's support for BiPSU's initiative to apply for a JD program in the province.

The second day concluded with a meeting with Atty. Raul S. Grapilon, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) — Biliran Chapter. The university sought the endorsement and support of the IBP Biliran Chapter, aiming to ensure the proposed law program meets the needs of the local legal community.

Moreover, it can be recalled that the Naval Institute of Technology (now BiPSU), in consortium with the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), initially offered a Bachelor of Law (LLB) program in 2003. However, the program was discontinued in 2011. 

As shared by Dr. Cañezo, the current administration of the university is taking high leaps in offering a Juris Doctor program, that is, completely different from its set-up 13 years ago. 

Moving forward, all Biliranons and residents from nearby towns are highly encouraged to participate in an upcoming survey, which will be launched soon. The responses will be invaluable in helping BiPSU finalize its curriculum design and other academic initiatives, in line with the university's commitment to academic freedom.

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