By Xander Ledesma
The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has commenced the construction of a dedicated College of Law building on its Iloilo City campus, aiming to strengthen the region’s status as a hub for quality legal education.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on December 13, 2024, was attended by key figures including Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who facilitated the PHP100-million funding for the project’s first phase during his tenure as a senator.
UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano expressed aspirations for the current law extension program to evolve into a full-fledged College of Law, contingent upon sustained growth in student enrollment and faculty participation from UP Diliman. He noted that the program has attracted over 100 students, predominantly from regions such as Leyte, Cebu, and Mindanao, indicating a broad demand for UP’s legal education in the southern Philippines.
The new three-story facility is designed to mirror the architectural style of UPV’s main structures and is projected to be completed within a year. This development is expected to contribute significantly to Iloilo’s emergence as a center for top-tier legal education, complementing existing institutions like West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Central Philippine University (CPU), both of which have established reputable law programs in the city.
In January 2024, WVSU held a groundbreaking ceremony for its twin four-story College of Law buildings, each valued at PHP400 million, funded through the General Appropriations Act.
Similarly, CPU’s College of Law, established in 1939, offers Juris Doctor and Master of Laws programs, the latter in collaboration with San Beda University.