23/07/2026
Beyond the Classroom: ULS College of Law Advances Indigenous Rights Awareness in San Pugo, Nagtipunan
SAN PUGO, Nagtipunan, Quirino -- The pursuit of justice extends far beyond classroom and courtrooms. On June 20, 2026, students from the University of La Salette, Inc. - College of Law took a step toward making legal education more accessible as they conducted an Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) Lecture and Outreach Program for members of the Bugkalot Tribe in Barangay San Pugo, Nagtipunan, Quirino.
The activity gathered community members, local officials, and law students in a shared effort to promote awareness of the rights guaranteed under Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997. More than a lecture series, the program served as a meaningful engagement between future legal practitioners and an indigenous community whose cultural heritage continues to shape the identity of the region.
The program formally opened with remarks from Lourd Gil G. Domingo, Student Council President of the College of Law, followed by the welcome address of Barangay Captain Coloma Dawang, who expressed appreciation for the initiative and its contribution to community empowerment through legal education.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Hon. Norbert B**g S. Obedoza, Professor of Law on Indigenous Peoples, emphasized that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act was enacted to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring the preservation of their cultural integrity, ancestral domains, and right to self-determination.
The lecture proper began with Ms. Danica Manucdoc, who introduced the fundamental concepts and objectives of IPRA, providing participants with a clearer understanding of the law and its relevance to indigenous communities. Building upon this foundation, Mr. Domingo discussed the four pillars of rights recognized under the law: the right to ancestral domains and lands, the right to self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights, and the right to cultural integrity. The discussion underscored the importance of these rights in safeguarding the welfare and identity of Indigenous Peoples, including the Bugkalot community.
Complementing the discussion on indigenous rights, Ms. Kynlet Domingo presented the salient provisions of the Katarungang Pambarangay, highlighting the value of peaceful conflict resolution and the role of community-based mechanisms in maintaining harmony and order. Participants were encouraged to embrace dialogue and cooperation as essential tools in strengthening relationships within the community.
Anchored on the theme, “Panangsalaknib iti Karbengan Dagiti Katutubo ken Panagpasayaat iti Kapia iti Komunidad” (Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Promoting Peace in the Community), the outreach program reinforced the shared responsibility of protecting indigenous rights while fostering peace, respect, and inclusive development.
Beyond the discussions and presentations, the activity reflected the College of Law's commitment to bringing legal education closer to the communities it serves. It also provided law students with an opportunity to witness firsthand how legal principles affect the lioves of people on the ground, particularly those belonging to historically marginalized sectors.
As knowledge and experiences were exchanged between the participants and the facilitators, the program became more than an academic undertaking. It became a testament to the power of education, dialogue, and community partnership in promoting awareness and empowerment.
For the members of the Bugkalot Tribe, the activity strengthened understanding of the rights afforded to them by law. For the law students, it served as a reminder that the true essence of the law lies not merely in its provisions, but in its capacity to uphold dignity, protect rights, and create meaningful impact in the lives of the people it seeks to serve.
Video edited by: Mr. Roemjedrick Andaya