Home >
News >
Ateneo de Manila Law x Ateneo de Zamboanga Law: Bringing the LL.M program to Western Mindanao

Ateneo de Manila Law x Ateneo de Zamboanga Law: Bringing the LL.M program to Western Mindanao

15 Jun 2024

ALS_ADZU — (Photo courtesy of ADZU University Communications Office) Atty Kenneth Beldua, ADZU Law faculty member; Atty Mary Anne Alba, Director, ADZU Center for Legal Services; Prof Amparita Sta Maria, Director, Ateneo Law Graduate Legal Studies Institute; ADZU Dean Ma. Corazon Montemor; ALS Dean Jose Maria G Hofileña; Fr Rene C Tacastacas, SJ, ADZU VP for Higher Education; Fr Guillrey Anthony M Andal, SJ, ADZU President; Prof Maita V Chan-Gonzaga, ALS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Atty Laisa Masuhud Alamia (LLM '22), ADZU BOT Member; Atty Ryan Jeremiah D Quan, Program Officer, ALS Graduate Legal Studies Institute

The Ateneo Law School (ALS), in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Rosendo U Castillo, Jr College of Law (ADZU Law), is bringing its Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program to Western Mindanao. On 11 June, 2024, the two Jesuit universities signed a Memorandum of Agreement to be able to offer the program to the region beginning Academic Year 2024-2025.

ALS_ADZU2 — Presenting the signed MOA between Ateneo Law and ADZU

Fr Guillrey Anthony M Andal, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, welcomed this development which highlights the two universities’ shared mission of educating and forming persons who will use their knowledge and skills to serve others and to glorify God. He is optimistic that the Ateneo LL.M Program will be a tool to empower lawyers who will advance justice, uphold the rule of law, and create positive reforms not only in Western Mindanao and beyond.

Given its robust and diverse set of specialized courses under its LL.M Program, Ateneo Law School is able to customize programs based on the interests, needs, and thrusts of partner universities and law schools. The program that will be offered in Zamboanga features courses under the International Human Rights Law and Dispute Resolution tracks. These courses are set to be delivered by a team of internationally trained and homegrown Ateneo Law School faculty members who are recognized experts and scholars in their respective fields. By enrolling in the program, students from Western Mindanao will also benefit from Ateneo Law School’s international programs and academic linkages, including options for dual degree grants with foreign universities, a first in LL.M. programs in the Philippines.

Video is courtesy of the University Communications Office, Ateneo de Zamboanga University

This partnership to offer the Ateneo LL.M. Program in Western Mindanao marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship of Ateneo Law and ADZU Law. Since the early years of ADZU Law, a number of Ateneo Law School faculty member have been happily teaching at ADZU Law. The two Jesuit law schools have also worked together in the Capacity Building for Legal and Social Advancement (CALESA) Project, a European Union-supported program involving law schools in the Philippines and in Europe.

Dean Jose Maria G Hofileña, Ateneo Law School Dean, expressed high hopes that this collaboration will strengthen the bond between the two law schools in furtherance of a common ideal to train competent and conscientious lawyers who recognize that the ultimate calling of the legal profession is to serve. Dean Hofileña looks forward to working together with ADZU Law as both institutions strive to be the light of the Lord for God and for country. Lux in Domino, pro Deo et patria.

More information about the LL.M. offering at Ateneo de Zamboanga may be found here: bit.ly/LLMProgram.

For inquiries about the program, please get in touch with ADZU Law at (062) 991.0871 locals 3000 or 3001 or through sol@adzu.edu.ph.