Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) strengthened its commitment to accessible justice through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for the Clinical Legal Education Program, held today, September 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Social Hall of the College of Teacher Education, WMSU. The partnership underscores WMSU’s vital role in advancing legal education by training future lawyers while extending legal awareness and assistance to persons deprived of liberty, reaffirming the university’s mission of service to society’s most vulnerable sectors.
The ceremony was attended by Jail Chief Superintendent Amado Concepcion, BJMP Regional Director represented by Assistant Regional Director for Administration JSSUPT Allan N. Vargas; Atty. Irma Mari Medalle Rivero, Dean of the College of Law; Atty. Robert Rivero, Legal Officer; Atty. Aenn Bernielee Castillo-Limbaga, CLEP Director; along with WMSU vice presidents, other university officials, and representatives from the BJMP.
WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena affirmed that the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) embodies one of the noblest purposes of legal education serving those who have less in law. She expressed gratitude to College of Law Dean Atty. Irma Medalle, CLEP Director Atty. Aen Bernielee Castillo-Limbaga, and the dedicated faculty for advocating this mission.
CLEP Director Atty. Aen Bernielee Castillo-Limbaga stressed that justice must be accessible to all including persons deprived of liberty. She expressed gratitude towards Dr. Ochotorena for her support in advancing legal education and emphasized that law students learn best when engaging with vulnerable sectors. Through the Clinical Legal Education Program, she said, the dignity of persons deprived of liberty is recognized, and the agreement signed stands as a pledge to uphold justice, advance legal empowerment, and stand in solidarity with those who need the law most.
Assistant Regional Director for Administration Allan N. Vargas, MPA, emphasized that justice and education must always go hand in hand. He highlighted that the partnership provides law students with meaningful opportunities to learn, highlighting that the study of law is not only about statutes and procedures but also about fairness, compassion, and the pursuit of justice.
The partnership between WMSU and BJMP stands as a testament to the university’s enduring commitment to excellence in legal education and public service bridging the gap between the classroom and the community, and ensuring that justice is upheld even for society’s most vulnerable. (Atty. MA Tamon-PAO)
