In a significant development aimed at enhancing legal education, Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Eastern Samar Chapter have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support the University’s Law Student Practitioners (LSPs). The MOA, signed on December 6, 2024, at the President's Conference Room, was the result of a courtesy call made by IBP Eastern Samar Chapter President, Atty. Dodjie B. Encinas, to ESSU on December 3. Representing ESSU in the agreement were ESSU President, Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., College of Law (COL) Dean, Atty. Dulce Amor A. Beato, and COL faculty members.
The partnership seeks to provide ESSU’s Juris Doctor students with the practical training they need to complement their academic learning, with a special focus on real-world legal experience and public service.
Under the terms of the MOA, ESSU’s Law Student Practitioners—Juris Doctor students who have taken their oath and are officially certified to perform legal tasks—will gain invaluable exposure to legal practice through the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP). Much like an On-the-Job Training (OJT) program in other colleges, CLEP allows students to engage in hands-on legal work under the guidance of licensed lawyers. IBP Eastern Samar Chapter members will provide these students with the opportunity to draft legal pleadings, conduct legal research, and assist in actual cases, all while contributing to the provision of free legal services to indigent clients.
This partnership is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of law practice in Eastern Samar. It will not only provide ESSU’s Law students with the practical knowledge, skills, and values they need to excel in their careers but also benefit the wider community by enhancing access to legal services for the underserved.
By offering these students a chance to work alongside experienced lawyers in real-world legal settings, the collaboration ensures that the next generation of lawyers is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the profession while fostering a sense of social responsibility and public service. The MOA underscores the shared commitment of both ESSU and IBP Eastern Samar to promote quality legal education and public justice in the region.
