Saint Louis University (SLU) proudly hosted ambassadors of the European Union (EU) in an afternoon program on 28 January 2025 geared at providing the EU delegation an understanding of the work of the EU in the City of Baguio through the Access to Justice Programme – Governance in Justice (GO JUST) project.
Held at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall of the SLU Main Campus, the event was welcomed with the arrival of EU Ambassadors and EU Delegation Officials and Staff alongside representatives from the Baguio City Justice Zone.
In his welcome remarks, SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, extended gratitude and cordial Louisian greetings to the EU delegation led by European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, Amb. Massimo Santoro.
SLU, through its School of Law- Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (SOL – CJMM CLAO), is among the partner-universities of the GO JUST project. “Through our Community Legal Assistance Office or CLAO, which marks its decade-long purposeful existence this year, SLU has modestly helped promote greater access to justice especially of the vulnerable sector of our society,” said Fr. Sales.
He affirmed that the University remains committed to be actively involved in social transformation, particularly in Baguio City and nearby provinces through the provision of free legal services, and many other social responsibility efforts.
Christian Eldon, Team Leader of EU-GO JUST discussed the premise of the program and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the Philippine justice sector. He outlined the Four Result Areas of the EU-GOJUST program, which encompass: enhanced coordination mechanisms within the justice sector, improved institutional efficiency and effectiveness in delivering justice services, greater access to the justice system for vulnerable groups, particularly women, and a justice policy and practice that is evidence-based and responsive to justice needs.
After which, Atty. Katrina Gynne F. Santiago-Bosantog from the Public Attorney’s Office and the Head of External Relations Committee of the Baguio City Justice Zone (BCJZ) presented the BCJZ Initial Results of Justice Coordination and how this benefits the communities. She reported that the launch of the Justice Zone empowered them to achieve more and work more efficiently for their community. This initiative led to several collaborations, including the Tarabay Series, Ili T’ Baguio, and partnerships between three law schools and civil society organizations (CSOs).
“The Baguio City Justice Zone is one with the community. It is committed, not just involved, in including access to justice for all by strengthening communication, coordination, and collaboration among its members and stakeholders,” Atty. Santiago-Bosantog said.
Atty. Victoria Dines, OIC of the Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM-CLAO), presented the SLU “Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office” Project. After receiving the grant from the EU in December 2021, initiatives began from January 2022 to June 2024. From July 2022 to June 2024, a total of 1,362 clients received free legal services. Further, from July 2022 to July 2024, 3,411 clients participated in free legal seminars and training sessions.
Additionally, it was noted that the establishment of the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) is considered the most significant achievement of CJMM-CLAO, which serves as the auxiliary unit of the SOL. These efforts affirm their goal to improve access to justice.
Following the presentations, Atty. Hector Soliman, Senior Adviser for Access to Justice of the EU-GOJUST, moderated the Question-and-Answer session of the event. Hon. Mia Joy Oallares-Cawed, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court 4 and Convenor of the Baguio City Justice Zone, concluded the event by urging her fellow BCJZ members to continue fulfilling their mandate. She emphasized the importance of identifying their strengths, leveraging them effectively, and transforming their weaknesses into opportunities.
Finally, Amb. Massimo Santoro, the European Ambassador to the Philippines, delivered a message on behalf of the European Union Delegation. He emphasized that the EU is committed to supporting efforts to make the justice system more resilient and effective.
In this context, hosting the EU underscores SLU’s dedication to the CICM Advocacy of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). By pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SLU aims to create a more equitable society. (Article by Keziah Vestidas, UIO Volunteer | Photos by Andreanna, UIO Volunteer)
To learn more about the EU-GOJUST, one may visit their website: https://www.gojust.org/about-gojust
