“When God wills it, no one can stop it” – President Azanza at the launch of CatSU College of Law
CollegesCatanduanes
State University (CatSU) marked a historic milestone with the official launch
and unveiling of its College of Law today, June 28, at the CatSU Ondra Lobby.
SUC President
III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, encapsulated the significance of the event
when he said, ‘When God wills it, no one can stop it,’ reflecting the belief
that divine plans will come to fruition despite any challenges.
Dr. Azanza
shared the arduous journey of securing approval from the Legal Education Board
(LEB), the Philippine government agency tasked with the regulation and
supervision of legal education. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to key
contributors who played key roles in meeting essential requirements, including
donors Mr. Bo P. Rodulfo, Atty. Joselito I. Barceta, Atty. Jose V. Cabrera, and
Atty. Lehua Lao-Cabrera.
He also thanked
Rex Bookstore, Central Book Supply, Inc., Bureau of Fire Protection, and various
CatSU offices, particularly under the leadership of Vice President for Academic
Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Assistant Vice President Dr. Joseph G. Zafe,
Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., and CatSU ‘waymakers’ from
different offices.
The inception of
the College of Law, a vision over fifty years in the making, was driven by Dr.
Azanza's commitment to the principle that ‘those who have less in life should
have more in law.’
He emphasized
the critical need for lawyers in Catanduanes, which he said is the university's
mission to extend legal education and services to the poor and underprivileged
sectors of the community.
“It is a gift
from God,” he added, stressing the divine blessing that this new chapter
represents comes this academic year.
College of Law
Dean, Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza, backed this sentiment when he said, ‘Let go.
Let God,’ which emphasizes a faith-driven approach to life's challenges,
trusting in divine providence to guide and sustain.
The event
featured Court of Appeals Associate Justice Atty. Alfredo D. Ampuan as the
guest of honor. Speaking to the assembled lawyers and the 86 aspiring law
students (via live stream), Justice Ampuan stressed the importance of ensuring
equal rights for all.
‘The fragrance
of the flowers spread only in the flow of the wind; the goodness of the lawyers
spread everywhere,’ he said in a metaphor which celebrates the far-reaching
impact of lawyers' contributions to society.
Following the
program is the blessing of new facilities, which include air-conditioned
classrooms, a computer laboratory, student and faculty lounges, the Dean’s
office, a moot court, and a well-equipped library of the College of Law.