Vision turned into reality, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) officially opened the doors of its Juris Doctor (JD) program, welcoming its pioneering batch of law students and professors during the launching and orientation program held on July 25 at the university Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAV-C).

This event marked the commencement of BiPSU’s newest academic offering under the School of Law and Governance (SoLGov), reflecting BiPSU's continued commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, strengthening public service, and contributing to regional development by producing future legal professionals.

Gathering the first cohort of JD students, the activity formally introduced them to the distinguished members of the legal profession who will serve as faculty members, including Judge Thea Gicela Nueve-Zamora, Atty. Judiel Pareja, Atty. Edison Oyag, Atty. Charmaine Lynn Tan-Calzado, Atty. Lois Philippe Pelito, and Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin.

A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the law professors also highlighted the occasion, signifying the university's partnership with experienced legal practitioners in delivering quality legal education.

A dream 15 years in the making

The launch of the Juris Doctor program represents the fulfillment of a vision that traces its roots a decade and half back.

BiPSU, then known as the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), previously offered a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program in 2003 through a consortium with the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). This, however, was discontinued in 2011.

Now, after fifteen years, the university has revived legal education—not through a consortium—but by offering its own Juris Doctor program, a milestone that showcases the institution's academic growth and readiness to nurture the next generation of lawyers.

University President Dr. Victor Cañezo, Jr. shared that the establishment of the JD program is anchored on the university's commitment to providing accessible and affordable legal education for aspiring lawyers from Biliran and neighboring provinces.

More importantly, he emphasized that the initiative is about creating opportunities for deserving but less privileged students while producing competent legal professionals who will eventually serve both the province and the nation.

A brave new world of law

Addressing the pioneering batch, Dr. Cañezo welcomed the 25 admitted students from 48 applicants, reminding them that entering law school is not merely about earning a degree but embracing a lifelong commitment to justice, discipline, and public service.

"You are my newest weavers of worthiness," he told the students. Dr. Cañezo encouraged them to become instruments of change within their communities and challenged them to leave no opportunity unexplored.

The president also introduced his WoW principle as a guide throughout their legal education. W stands for discovering one's Why—the deeper purpose behind pursuing law, O reminds students to recognize the Opportunities before them, and the final W encourages them to Work on their why every day, allowing purpose to become the driving force behind perseverance.

He likewise underscored BiPSU's commitment to academic excellence, sharing that the university deliberately recruited competent law professors from Biliran and metro cities to ensure that students receive caliber legal education.

Building future lawyers

Dean of the SoLGov Atty. Delfin introduced his CASE framework as a guide to succeeding in law school.

He urged the students to: Calibrate themselves to the demands of legal education; Anchor themselves on integrity and discipline; Systematize their learning through organized study habits; and Execute what they have learned effectively through legal writing and practice.

In addition, Atty. Delfin prompted the pioneering class that success in law school requires consistency, resilience, and unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

Law beyond the books

Delivering an inspirational message, Atty. Redentor Villordon, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Biliran Chapter, shared reflections on both national and international legal issues, illustrating the complexity and evolving nature of the legal profession.

"The law can be very near to us or far, and in all of these, not everything is as it seems,” he remarked. “There is always more to it," encouraging students to cultivate critical thinking and appreciate the deeper dimensions of the law beyond what is written in statutes.

Meanwhile, Biliran Provincial Prosecutor Edna Pitao-Honor stressed the growing demand for legal professionals in the province.

"Biliran is growing, the number of cases continues to increase every day, and our courtrooms are expanding—we need more lawyers because the community is watching," she said, emphasizing the vital role future lawyers will play in reinforcing the administration of justice.

Preparing for the journey ahead

As part of the orientation, students were introduced to the official BiPSU School of Law and Governance website and communication platforms, ensuring that they remain connected to academic updates and institutional announcements throughout their studies.

Likewise, they were oriented on the university library's resources, policies, and services designed to support legal research and scholarly work.

Atty. Sheena Estrella Bentor, Chairperson of the JD program, discussed the salient provisions of the Law Academic Manual and Student’s Manual, familiarizing the students with academic standards, institutional policies, and expectations that will aid them throughout their law school journey.

Said event was also attended by Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning Dr. Erwin Salvatierra, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact Dr. Roland Niez, and some members of the IBP-Biliran, who expressed their support for this endeavor.

As BiPSU officially embarks on this new chapter in legal education, the university affirms its mission of producing lawyers grounded not only in legal competence but also in integrity, compassion, and service—professionals prepared to uphold justice and become catalysts for positive transformation in Biliran and beyond.

#WoWBiPSU