The UC School of Law’s UC Legal Aid Office (UCLAO), in partnership with the Municipality of Asturias, Cebu, and the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC), successfully conducted a two-day Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) focused Paralegal Trainings (PLT) last July 17 and 18, 2021.

UC Law students spearheaded and organized the Anti-VAWC PLT with the strong support of Asturias Municipal Mayor Jose Antonio Pintor and Municipal Local Operations Officer (and also a 4L student of UC Law) Mr. Dann Marr Andrino.

The PLT held last weekend produced over 120 paralegals composed of Barangay officials and community members. 

The first day training was specifically for community members and included lectures centered around Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, and supplemented with lectures on Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.

The second day was exclusive for barangay officials and barangay workers in-charge of the Women and Children Help Desk. Participants were trained on the best practices on VAWC case spotting and handling, and on the creation and processing of a Barangay Protection Order (BPO).

To date, UC Law has produced 12 interns throughout its two-year partnership with AHRC.

At UC Law, students are exposed to various programs and activities through legal aid clinics and workshops, advocacy and skills training through virtual sessions, capacity building seminars, and on-site community immersions.