BAGUIO CITY – In the spirit of the Rule of Law Month, the University of Baguio (UB) School of Law Community, in partnership with the Red Cross, organized an event to extend their assistance to the citizens of Baguio under the theme “Celebrating the Right to Life.” The event took place on September 19, 2023, at Malcolm Square. The event featured free legal aid services and a blood donation drive, aimed at supporting the community and raising awareness about the rule of law.
The Rule of Law Month happens every September and serves as a platform to educate and enlighten the public about the significance of the law. It emphasizes that everyone, including the government, follows the law fairly and independently, in line with human rights standards.
UB School of Law’s legal experts and students came together and offered free legal aid services to the public as one of the activities of the event. From legal consultations to guidance on various legal matters, this initiative seeks to provide individuals with the knowledge and assistance they need to protect their rights and make justice accessible to everyone.
Atty. Timothy John D. Tabago, a supervising lawyer of UB’s legal aid program, expressed the goal behind the event. He said, “The purpose of our program is to give free legal advice” and highlighted the event’s commitment to reaching out to marginalized members of society, offering assistance to those dealing with legal issues.
In addition to legal aid services, UB collaborated with the Red Cross to host a blood donation drive in support of human rights as part of its Rule of Law Month Celebration. It’s a noble gesture that can save lives and promote that every individual has the right to a healthy life. Sherwin Javar, a UB med tech intern, encouraged those willing to donate blood. He emphasized the significance of supplying essential blood components to those in need, especially for patients who will undergo surgeries, highlighting the crucial role that human rights play in promoting health and well-being.
The Rule of Law Month Celebration serves as a reminder that the solidarity of legal knowledge, along with the spirit of generosity, can nurture a more fair and united society. It stands as evidence of the power of collective effort in bringing positive change in the community while maintaining the principles of justice and human rights. By Hershey Mae Vallo