Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) successfully hosted its highly anticipated Stakeholders’ Meeting last March 25, 2025, at the CMU Office of the President, bringing together legal experts, government representatives, academic leaders, and community partners to discuss the establishment of the proposed CMU School of Law. The event served as a crucial platform for presenting the law school proposal, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and securing commitments from key stakeholders.
Establishing the School of Law at Central Mindanao University fulfills its mandate under Republic Act 4498 to provide quality education. The School of Law addresses the demand for legal education in Mindanao, offering Juris Doctor (JD) program that meets national and international standards. This initiative ensures accessible legal education while maintaining high academic quality, producing ethical and socially responsible legal professionals.
“The School of Law aims to become a premier institution for legal education in the ASEAN region, producing industry-ready, bar-ready, research-oriented, and ethical leader lawyers who promote justice, human rights, and sustainable development. It intends to deliver innovative legal education, advance research in law and justice, and foster a culture of public service, thereby empowering our graduates to become socially responsible and globally competitive lawyers equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond,” said Atty. James M. Violon, the committee chairperson in preparing the proposal for CMU School of Law.
The meeting, hosted by Mr. Jerwin Y. Amarillo, commenced with an invocation and the national anthem, setting the formal tone for the gathering. Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing CMU’s dedication to academic excellence and legal education.
Dr. Cherry Mae R. Balingit, Vice Chair of the Committee on the Establishment of the CMU School of Law, provided the rationale for the meeting, outlining the importance of the initiative and the benefits of having a law school within the region. Following this, Atty. James M. Violon, Chairperson of the committee, presented the detailed proposal, including the vision, objectives, proposed curriculum, and required resources.
The open forum segment, moderated by Dr. Shiela Mae I. Segumpan, allowed stakeholders to share insights, raise concerns, and offer recommendations to refine the law school proposal. Legal practitioners, local government officials, and academic representatives participated actively, expressing their support and highlighting key considerations for the program’s success.
Notable statements of support came from Atty. Jovan B. Gascon, representing CMU alumni and legal practitioners; Atty. Alfredo G. Cape, Jr., representing local government officials; and Atty. Sherrymae O. Velos-Decang, representing academic leaders and faculty members. They all underscored the significance of legal education in the region and pledged their commitment to the endeavor. “I commend the university officials led by Dr. Eballe for this initiative and the committee for the school of law. I am excited considering that it highlights bar-ready, industry-ready, and focuses on the critical and legal aspects of the school of law offering to our future law students,” Atty. Cape Jr. said. “I have waited for a long time for CMU to open the School of Law. I know the competence and caliber of a CMU graduate being a graduate of that institution. So, I know how competent your lawyers will be in the future. I am also glad that you are already offering a six-year program and considering those who are working,” Atty. Gascon added.
A panel discussion titled “Building a Center of Legal Excellence in Northern Mindanao” further explored the collaborative efforts necessary to establish a law school that meets high academic and professional standards. Participants discussed strategies for aligning the program with national and international legal education frameworks, as well as the role of partnerships in ensuring sustainability. As Atty. Velos-Decang put it:
“The new curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students graduate not only with knowledge but expertise, and real skills in the practice. CMU commits to the service and nation-building that is the core of legal. So, the future law professionals or law faculty will instill in the students the values of social justice, pro bono service, and advocacy for the marginalized. Also, the CMU Law School hopes to strengthen local and global collaborations through forging partnerships with international law schools, local bar institutions, and judicial institutions. I hope that this new step of CMU will encourage the new generation of outstanding legal minds.”
Dr. Iris Dajao-Opiso, Director of OFMS, delivered the closing remarks, reiterating the importance of collaboration and shared vision in making the CMU School of Law a reality. The event concluded with a virtual group photo, capturing the collective enthusiasm and commitment of all attendees.
With strong backing from various sectors, the CMU School of Law is poised to take the next steps toward formal approval and implementation. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the journey to providing quality legal education at Central Mindanao University. [Jerwin Y. Amarillo, Secretary, Committee for CMU School of Law Proposal]
