Bringing Justice closer: Legal Aid Caravan serves 67 clients in Calabanga

By Jucar Salazar & Milagros Abad

As a concrete expression of faith in action, the Vicariate of Our Lady of La Porteria became a beacon of hope and justice as 67 individuals received free legal services during the recently concluded Legal Aid Caravan, spearheaded by the St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish on April 26.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) and the Ateneo de Naga College of Law – Ignatian Legal Apostolate Office (ILAO), led by Atty. Raizel V. Dimaano. The partnership brought together lawyers, law students, parish volunteers, and community leaders in a shared mission: to make legal assistance accessible to those who need it most.

The Caravan addressed a wide range of concerns. A total of 19 clients received legal consultations. Notarial services were extended to 27 individuals. Documentary assistance was provided to 4 clients, while 17 cases involved more specialized legal concerns.

More than just numbers, each case represented a story -of families seeking clarity, individuals asserting their rights and communities finding support. The presence of Retired Judge Hon. Corazon Tordilla added depth and wisdom to the consultations, while Hon. Atty. Sherwin Francis Mendoza of the Local Government Unit of Calabanga affirmed the strong partnership between the Church and the local government in promoting justice at the grassroots.

Law students from the Ateneo Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) actively participated, gaining not only practical experience but also a deeper understanding of Law as service.

The spirit of service extended beyond legal assistance. Through the generosity of Atty. Her Lynn Balares and the APO Oragon 185 Metro Naga Alumni Association, Inc., participants were also provided with hot meals, reflecting a holistic approach to care, nourishing both body and spirit. The event was further strengthened by the warm hospitality of the Our Lady of La Porteria Parish community and the support of various parish groups.

As communities continue to face legal challenges, initiatives like this Caravan reminds us that justice must not remain distant or inaccessible. A Church that upholds justice should also make sure legal services are available at the grassroots.