In pursuit of a comprehensive vision for its future, aligned with the Universityโs Strategic Plan 2022-2027, the University of Southeastern Philippines – School of Law (USeP SoL) held its first-ever Strategic Planning Workshop last July 1-3, 2025, at the USeP Hotel and TLE Building. The workshop adopted a participatory approach using Futures Thinking tools, with key contributions from its stakeholders.
USeP President, Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr. delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the legal profession and highlighting the potential of data analytics in reform areas. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva helped facilitate the Futures Triangle session, where participants reimagined the possibilities for the law school.
Dean Atty. Arlene M. Lorejo-Cosape laid down the following rationale for the event: the continued existence of the School of Law; succession planning; and clear communication of where we are and where we want to go.
Associate Dean Atty. Marian C. Castillo-Pasia led the recap on the Schoolโs mandate and performance, setting the stage for in-depth visioning exercises. Dr. Daisy T. Besing and Asst. Prof. Gresiel E. Fernando, facilitated the session with strategic planning insights from Mr. Rhoderick A. Aviles of the Institutional Planning Division.
Participants were grouped into three clusters: (1) faculty and non-teaching personnel, (2) alumni and practitioners, and (3) students, to ensure a comprehensive, participatory approach.
The USeP SoL faculty and Non-Teaching Personnel were represented by Dean Arlene M. Lorejo-Cosape, Judge Cherry Lynn M. Trinidad-Geocaniga, Atty. Marian C. Castillo-Pasia, Atty. Ronieto B. Bata, Atty. Jesus A. Villardo III, Atty. Jamil Adrian Khalil L. Matalam, Atty. Maria Zola Estella I. Geyrozaga, Ms. Julia Mae L. Macias, Ms. Riza Mae V. Albelda, Ms. Ivy Rose M. Cortez, and Mr. Gladys Hope B. Palcis.
The Alumni and Practitioners group included Atty. Jack Rollan S. Anino, Atty. Imma Coney P. Olayan, and Atty. Jason Mon A. Ducusin.ย
Representing the student body were the Student Council Officers: Ana Grazeille Garcia, Governor; Adrianne Tobias, Internal Vice Governor; Dea Katrina Plazos, External Vice Governor; Colt Stephen Ian Bentayan, JD-3A Class Mayor; Francis Voltaire Quimno, JD-2A Class Mayor; and Ethan Jared Zapanta, JD-2B Class Mayor.
As the only law school in Mindanao offering a thesis-based Juris Doctor Program, USeP SoL is uniquely positioned to lead in research-based training, and the development of practice-ready and socially accountable lawyers, responsive to contemporary challenges, and committed to shaping the future of legal education in Mindanao and beyond.
#USeP #USePSoL #USePCARES #WeBuildDreamsWithoutLimits #TransformingLivesAndCommunities
