By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Gov. Helen Tan (center) formalizes a landmark law scholarship program with San Pablo Colleges Dean Atty. Vicente ...
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| Quezon Gov. Helen Tan (center) formalizes a landmark law scholarship program with San Pablo Colleges Dean Atty. Vicente M. Joyas (left) and Sheriff Edgardo Castillo (right) during the MOA signing on Monday, Dec. 16. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – With a vision of a more just and equitable society, the Quezon Provincial Government has forged a partnership with San Pablo Colleges to offer a comprehensive law scholarship program. This initiative is poised to have a lasting impact on Quezon's legal landscape, fostering a new generation of lawyers committed to serving their communities.
This recent landmark initiative will cultivate homegrown legal talent to serve the province, ultimately improving access to justice for all Quezonians. It is envisioned that these scholars will become future leaders in the legal field, championing the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized.
Bringing this vision to fruition, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed in this town by Quezon Governor Helen Tan and San Pablo Colleges' College of Law Dean, Attorney Vicente Joyas, who was accompanied by Clerk of Court and Ex-officio Provincial City Sheriff Edgardo Castillo. The signing marks a significant investment in the province's future and a bold step towards greater access to justice.
The MOA solidified the partnership between San Pablo Colleges Inc. and the Provincial Government, outlining a scholarship grant for qualified students pursuing a law degree. Specifically, the scholarship will cover full tuition, books, and other miscellaneous expenses. To remain eligible, scholars must maintain certain standards, ensuring a high level of academic performance and commitment.
This initiative goes beyond financial aid; it's a strategic move to cultivate a new generation of lawyers deeply rooted in the province and dedicated to serving their communities. Therefore, the program will provide full financial assistance to qualified Quezonian students pursuing their law degrees at San Pablo Colleges, with scholars expected to maintain excellent academic standing.
"This is about investing in our people and securing a brighter future for Quezon," Governor Tan stated during the signing ceremony. "We are empowering talented individuals to become agents of justice and contribute to the development of our communities."
Playing a pivotal role in the program's success, San Pablo Colleges, known for its reputable law program, will shape the scholars' legal education. The College of Law is committed to providing high-quality legal training, ensuring the scholars are well-equipped to serve their communities upon graduation.
This partnership signifies a shared commitment to fostering legal professionals who are both skilled and dedicated to upholding justice. As such, the scholarship program is poised to be a game-changer for Quezon's legal landscape, removing financial barriers and fostering local talent. This is expected to significantly improve access to justice across the province.
The program aims to produce competent, compassionate, and community-oriented lawyers who understand the unique needs of Quezon. The selection process for the first batch of scholars is expected to begin soon, targeting the academic year 2025. This MOA signals a long-term commitment to strengthening the legal profession and building a more just and equitable society in Quezon Province.
Quezon's initiative underscores a growing movement towards more accessible legal education in the Philippines. While still limited, free or significantly subsidized law programs are gaining traction. For instance, the University of the Philippines College of Law offers minimal tuition fees.
Furthermore, under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931), qualified students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) can pursue law degrees with tuition and other school fees waived. The implementation varies, with some institutions adopting a "No Collection Policy", including law programs, as seen in the City of Malabon University.
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