Way back in 1986, a group of students from the College of Law of the Ateneo de Davao University decided to form an organization that was to become what is now LAKAS ATENISTA. They were the so-called “barbarians” who were left to fend for themselves, individually struggling against hardships that Law School entailed. Although believing to achieve things together with those who shared the same goal of finishing law school and making one’s stay in the College of Law bearable, they did not agree with certain rules, methods, and philosophies that fraternities/sororities abide with. They firmly believe that friendship does not require more than mutual respect for each other – thus born theLAKAS ATENISTA. From July of 1986 to February of 1987, a Constitutional Committee was formed composed of Franklin Ladores, Dickson Go, Edgar Derecho, Eddie Castillo, Brielgo Pagaran, Ignatius Bajo (+) and Luis Malanyaon, among others who greatly contributed during this difficult period. At this point, the moral support of Dean Epifanio Estrellado proved valuable. By March of 1987 the CBL was submitted to the Dean and during the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the application was discussed. On March 18, 1987, LAKAS ATENISTA the organization, was officially formed; its main objectives being geared towards "UNITY, ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, and EQUALITY."
