20/03/2026
๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ-๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐น๐ฎ๐ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
In a continuous effort to enhance legal education, Jose Rizal Memorial State UniversityโDipolog College of Law spearheaded the turnover ceremony for a law book donation held at the department premises last March 19, 2026.
Led by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jay D. Telen and Law Dean Atty. Mark Jasper G. Cielo, the event represented University President Dr. Maria Rio Abdon-Naguit through the presence of Atty. Nizza P. Lesterio-Absin.
The turnover marked a significant expansion of the university's legal resources and recognized Atty. Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez for her generous donation.
In his remarks, Atty. Cielo emphasized the importance of community involvement in legal education, ensuring that students are able to achieve their goals of excellence and knowledge.
"It is very important to have donors donate books to the libraryโas opposed to just purchasing themโbecause we want to involve our stakeholders and the community. Raising a lawyer takes a village, so everyone has to pitch in. We have this program to foster a culture of openness to donations; ultimately, it is all for the benefit of the law students,โ Atty. Cielo stated.
"We are here to celebrate a gesture of generosity, purpose, and commitment to the legal profession. These books, generously donated by Attorney Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez, are more than academic resources. They are gateways to knowledge, instruments of empowerment, and foundations upon which our future lawyers will build their understanding of justice. They will guide our students not only in mastering the law but also in embodying the values of integrity, fairness, and service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Attorney Euney Marie Mata-Perez for this invaluable contribution. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our students, equipping them with the tools they need to excel and, more importantly, to serve society with competence and compassion," delivered by Atty. Nizza P. Lesterio-Absin.
"May these books inspire you to pursue your studies with diligence and purpose. May you always remember that the law you learn today is a responsibility you will carry tomorrowโfor the protection of rights, the pursuit of truth, and the advancement of justice," she added in her message to the law students.
Attorney Perez shared a profound yet compelling experience throughout her journey. Upon learning that a College of Law was being established and progressing well, she donated a collection of old law books, which were previously wrapped in plastic with receipts still inside, originating from their uncle, a diligent legal practitioner.
According to her, there may be an additional box of books to send, and she suggested working together to identify what titles the college still lacks. She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation in the legal profession, noting that success in law comes from understanding legal principles rather than merely memorizing them, studying cases carefully, and providing well-researched advice to clients.
She signed off her message by stating that finding meaning in the work is essential to endure challenges and avoid taking perilous shortcuts, as true expertise takes years to develop. She further justified the quote, "Respect is earned, not given," reflecting the idea that respect comes from demonstrating capability rather than being automatically granted.
Moreover, the donated books that will enrich the learning of law students include the Supreme Court Reports Annotated Quick Index-Digest 2006 (Part 1 and Part 2), Supreme Court Reports Annotated Quick Index-Digest 2004 (Part 1), Criminal Procedure Rules 110โ127, Supreme Court Reports Annotated, The Revised Rules of Court in the Philippines, Court of Appeals Reports (Second Series) Volume 10 (1966), Philippine Reports Annotated, Philippine Law Dictionary, and Book XII Presidential Decree Nos. 1131โ1217 and related documents.
Mark Andrew D. Bacordo, Library Director, expressed his deep gratitude as Attorney Perez took the initiative to donate her personal collections to the law library, noting that book donations have become more common as of 2024.
"We are very grateful to her and her family, as they are not just providing knowledge but also serving as a testament to kindness and generosity, promoting the transfer of knowledge to others through donating their own collections to our library," he stated.
Via Merryflor Romende & Ezel Vaye Tagubar
Photos by Arjay Galabin & Ezel Vaye Tagubar
