UCU-COL inks partnership with CDA for CLAP, CLEP programs

Urdaneta City University's College of Law solidified a significant collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on February 8, 2024, at the University Cafeteria, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's commitment to legal education. 

The Memorandum of Agreement signed between the two entities aims to integrate the Clinical, Legal, Educational Program (CLEP) and Cooperative Legal Awareness Program (CLAP) into the university's law curriculum.

The CLEP and CLAP initiatives are designed to achieve several key objectives: (1) Create awareness about cooperative laws; (2) Educate students on the comprehensive legal frameworks governing cooperatives, including commercial law, taxation, and civil code regulations; (3) Provide students with practical, hands-on training in addition to theoretical knowledge; (4) Offer opportunities for students to engage in public service relationships; and (5) Promote social justice and public welfare through legal advocacy and service.

USEC. Joseph B. Encabo, Chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority, highlighted the necessity of such programs, citing research indicating a significant lack of awareness among the population regarding cooperatives. 

"This is to create awareness… because based on our study, if you’re going to ask the population… only 10-12% of our population are aware or have knowledge about cooperatives," stated Encabo, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.

Atty. Herbert Navarro, Director of the Clinical, Legal, Educational Program (CLEP), echoed the importance of experiential learning in legal education. 

"This program is in order for law students to have an experiential, interactive, and reflective learning on how the law profession goes about, and how to practice the law profession. And it is imperative that law students must be exposed to the legal profession," affirmed Navarro.

The partnership between Urdaneta City University and the Cooperative Development Authority represents a significant step forward in providing holistic legal education that prepares students for the complexities of legal practice while fostering a commitment to public service and social justice. Through these innovative programs, the university aims to empower future legal professionals to make meaningful contributions to society and effect positive change in their communities.