𝑪𝑫𝑨 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝑳𝑨𝑷 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒂𝒘

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region IX Extension Office has formally expressed its intent to partner with J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), specifically its School of Law, for the implementation of the CDA Laws and Awareness Program (CLAP). The exploratory meeting took place on June 23, 2025, at the IT Building Conference Room of JHCSC Pagadian City Extension Campus. Spearheaded by CDA Regional Director Atty. Ruben L. Cunanan, represented by Assistant Regional Director Windelyn A. Avila, the initiative was coursed through School of Law (SOL) Dean Atty. Romylyn O. Regidor with the support of Campus Director Dr. Patricia D. Bahian.

The proposed partnership seeks to establish strong collaborative linkages between the CDA and academic institutions like JHCSC to promote cooperative law and contribute to sustainable economic development. Highlighting the CDA’s legal education efforts, Atty. Mynna Marie M. Barrientos-Godoy, Attorney III of the CDA Extension Office, presented the CLAP initiative and emphasized its relevance to students and communities.

Among those in attendance were key college and agency representatives, including Atty. Esther Marie S. Ringon, JHCSC’s Chief Legal Officer; Prof. Ricky A. Egos, Extension Director; CLEP Student Representatives Engr. Arnold T. Tanondon and Mr. Warson Buen; and the School of Law staff. The meeting served as a platform to discuss the scope of the partnership and how it could benefit both the law students and the cooperative sector.

CLAP is designed to introduce cooperative-related laws, rules, and regulations to law students and practitioners, fostering a strong sense of legal professionalism, ethics, and social accountability. Implemented through the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) under the Revised Law Student Practice Rule (A.M. 19-03-24-SC), the program aims to prepare students for legal practice within cooperatives and expand access to legal services in rural and underserved communities.

The partnership is a valuable opportunity for JHCSC to strengthen its law program by providing students with real-world legal training grounded in community engagement and cooperative development. The meeting concluded successfully, with both parties agreeing to continue discussions on the formalization of the partnership at a later date.