Free legal assistance reached residents of Barangay Inayawan through the successful conduct of “Libreng Konsulta: Legal ug Notaryo” last June 3, 2025, held at the Brgy. Inayawan Sports Complex in Cebu City. The community-based initiative was a collaborative effort to extend legal aid to underserved populations and ensure that essential legal services are accessible to every citizen, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Spearheaded by the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) School of Law, through its SOLACE organization, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter and JCI Cebu, Inc., the initiative brought together volunteer lawyers, legal interns, and civic leaders. They worked hand in hand to deliver free legal consultations, notarization, and assistance with document preparation.
Residents lined up to avail of services ranging from affidavits of loss and delayed registration of birth to corrections of entries and other legal concerns. The event created a safe and supportive environment for individuals to address their legal needs without the burden of cost or complex legal procedures.
Beyond the paperwork, the activity aimed to raise awareness of legal rights and empower citizens to seek help without fear or hesitation. It also fostered a culture of public service among young legal practitioners and community volunteers.
“Libreng Konsulta: Legal ug Notaryo” demonstrated that strategic collaboration can make legal empowerment possible, even in grassroots settings. It was more than just a one-day event; it was a step toward building a more informed and inclusive society where legal support is not a privilege but a shared responsibility. As for barangay leadership, the event played a vital role in encouraging residents to participate and trust the process.
As JCI Cebu and its partners continue to break barriers to access, this initiative stands as a shining example of community-led solutions making a real impact where it’s needed most.
