By Tyrashelvy Villamil and Alysson Palencia | December 5, 2023
Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) formally launched the Legal Assistance Program (LEAP) during a forum organized by the Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee (STRAW) on Nov. 29 at Silliman Hall.
LEAP aims to provide free legal assistance to Sillimanians for cases endorsed by the STRAW Committee.
In partnership with the Dr. Jovito Salonga Center, SUSG President Enrica Dinopol said that they made history by having a “concrete mechanism that streamlines all of their abilities to connect… to people who are studying legal education and who can give this legal education.”
Moreover, SUSG Vice President Timothy Libres said they want to create a mechanism to make legal assistance accessible to the Silliman community.
He said that, upon evaluating what Sillimanians needed, they found a “gap in the system” where students could share their concerns.
Dinopol also said that legal and professional guidance should come from certifiable experts.
“There’s confidentiality, and of course, it’s tailor-fit to Sillimanians,” she said. Dinopol added that their priority is to create “a safer space” for Sillimanians.
The forum was called “Harbor of Hope: Safe Spaces Beyond the Portals.”
STRAW Chairperson Alenah Ligan opened the event, saying it was a milestone in the commitment to “fostering a secure and nurturing environment within educational spheres.”
In attendance were keynote speakers Prof. Phoebe Tan, Atty. Joshua Ablong, and Atty. Mikhail Maxino.
Editor’s note: This post is part of the Weekly Sillimanian and the College of Mass Communication collaboration. Students taking COM 33 – News Editing and Production under Asst. Prof. Irma Pal temporarily take over the operations for a week or one issue as their final requirement.
