The University and the Asian Foundation (TAF) held a virtual signing of the MOA on the TAF-UNO-R Legal Aid and Clinical Legal Education Project last April 1, 2022, at 11 am. The program was opened by Fray Don Besana, OAR with his opening Prayer. Dean Dodie Turla of the UNO-R School of Law gave the opening remarks while TAF PH Country Representative Mr. Sam Chittick gave a short message. Fr. President gave the acceptance message while Fray Jose Alden Alipin, OAR, VP-Academics, gave the message. This was then followed by the ceremonial virtual signing of the MOA. Mr. Chittick said that TAF will help the School of Law achieve its vision of having a culture in which lawyers will strive to be the best they could be. Capacity-building initiatives will be supported by TAF in coordination with the Legal Education Board(LEB) and through a mentorship program (specialized training). TAF will expand the vision and opportunities for the Law Scholl students beyond the classroom by engaging with people for the common good. TAF will also look for funds for this project. On the other hand, Fr. Besana, in his acceptance message, thanked TAF for the partnership that would be advocacy strengthening the rule of law through legal clinics. He also thanked TAF for the training of the School of Law professors in the management of legal clinics. This partnership will surely improve the services of the university to all its stakeholders and all the people, we serve, especially the poor. This is a manifestation of an act of friendship, partnership, and collaboration between UNO-R and TAF, he added. Fr. Alipin, on the other hand, said that this is the beginning of a long journey of advocacy and improvement of the legal profession towards ethical lawyering and public service. Also present from TAF were Atty. Reuel Realin; Chudney Ngo, INL; and Fatima Garcia.
