Sorsogon villagers get free legal aid, local IDs through PIA caravan
By Benilda Recebido
SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- More than 75 residents of Barangay Pamurayan in Sorsogon City benefited from a free legal aid mission and local identity registration during an Information Caravan hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Sorsogon Information Center on Saturday, August 22.
The community outreach activity prioritized low-income, marginalized, and undocumented families to address complex grievances that often exceed the jurisdictional mandate and expertise of the local barangay council.
To meet local legal needs, PIA Sorsogon partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Sorsogon Chapter and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
The collaboration aimed to implement an inclusive, responsive, and people-centered approach to governance, built on two high-impact pillars designed for vulnerable sectors: the legal aid mission and Sorsogon City ID registration and issuance.
During the event, the IBP provided free legal advice and assistance to over 15 residents with various legal concerns, with the help of volunteer lawyers and law student practitioners from Aemilianum College, Inc. (ACI) – College of Law Legal Aid Clinic.
The legal mission addressed complex civil disputes, property issues, and family matters, which had previously disrupted community harmony and overwhelmed the local council.
At the same time, CDRRMO launched its local identification system and issued City IDs to more than 60 residents, enhancing local identification and streamlining the distribution of future local government assistance and public services.
“The newly issued IDs will serve as a gateway for the residents, unlocking essential social protection programs, healthcare benefits, and local government subsidies,” said Charmine Dalde, supervisor and data encoder of the City ID Program.
Barangay Chairman Arles Janaban thanked PIA Sorsogon, IBP, and CDRRMO for selecting their village for the caravan.
He noted that the initiative greatly assisted residents with legal issues and helped marginalized individuals who cannot afford to travel to city hall for an official City ID.
Lina Jimenez, President of the IBP Sorsogon Chapter, announced during the opening program that IBP Sorsogon and ACI – College of Law have recently entered into a memorandum of agreement with the city government to implement the Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts (HOPE) Ordinance of 2026, which aims to provide Sorsogon City residents access to free legal services.
The immediate relief offered by the caravan was keenly felt by local constituents, particularly those facing financial and physical challenges.
“We are very happy that PIA brought this caravan to our village. We saved a lot on transportation expenses for the City ID registration, and especially on legal consultation fees,” shared Oliva Jamisola, a resident of Purok 3.
She was one of many residents who found clarity during the legal mission regarding a complex family issue.
“On the legal aspect, it’s a tremendous help to me because there is an ongoing issue with my father’s real property,” she said in her dialect.
“They provided me with the right advice and clear steps to avoid escalating our problem. I am deeply grateful to PIA Sorsogon for facilitating this information caravan,” she added.
For senior citizens and families facing health challenges, the mobile registration booth served as a vital lifeline.
Nancy Laguidao, 71, from Purok 6, personally accompanied her 72-year-old husband—who was paralyzed by a stroke—so he could secure his official documentation and get information about basic government welfare programs.
“With my husband’s condition, it is incredibly difficult for us to travel all the way to the CDRRMO office just to get an ID and inquire about basic social services. Thank you so much to the PIA for bringing this program directly to our barangay,” she said.
Benilda Recebido, Manager of the PIA Sorsogon Information Center, emphasized that the caravan reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive governance by bridging information gaps and delivering immediate services directly to barangay residents.
“By offering specialized services at the grassroots level, PIA Sorsogon has effectively connected legal mechanisms with everyday life, giving residents of Barangay Pamurayan the legal clarity and official identity needed to enhance their socio-economic well-being,” said Recebido. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)
Comments