The Ateneo de Naga University College of Law launched the Ignatian Legal Apostolate Office (ILAO) on 29 July 2017, coinciding with the outreach day of the University in celebration of the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
The historical event formally opened with a welcome remarks of Fr Primitivo Viray Jr, SJ, President of ADNU, a message from the Dean of the College of Law, Atty Jose Maria Carpio, and a keynote address of her excellency Vice President Leni Robredo, who, in her earlier years in SALIGAN, provided her time, energy, and legal profession in the service of the poor. Also, gracing the occasion were the honorable Congressman of the 3rd district of Cam Sur Gabby Bordado, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bikolandia Chapter, members of the local courts, members of the academe, and faculty and students of the ADNU College of Law.
As an apostolate arm of the ADNU College of Law, ILAO will be led by Atty Nina Rances, Associate Dean of ADNU College of Law. The ILAO is missioned (1) to form Ignatian practice-ready graduates or servant-lawyers in live solidarity with the people to serve each of the six provinces of Bikol; (2) contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights, strengthening of the rule of law and the administration of justice; and (3) enhance access to legal aid of the poor and marginalized in the peripheries of our communities toward achieving genuine development of Bikol and a better future for all for a just society and a just world.
ILAO shall provide the following services:
• Experiential Learning or Clinical Legal Education
• Free Legal Assistance and Developmental Legal Aid
• Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Bar Refresher, and Bar Review
• Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Access to Justice Advocacy
• Legal Research and Publications
For further information about ILAO, the office is located at the ground floor of Fr Godofredo Alingal, SJ Hall, Ateneo de Naga University main campus, Bagumbayan, Naga City. You can also email them at ilao@gbox.adnu.edu.ph
