UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LAW CENTER
The Paralegal Training Program is an extension service and training program of the UP Law Center which aims to lay the foundation for the development and professionalization of paralegal work in the country.
The Paralegal Training Program (PTP) of the UP Law Center officially concluded its 33rd Foundation Certificate Course (PTP 33) with a closing ceremony on August 23, 2025, at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law in Quezon City. Supreme Court Associate Justice Raul B. Villanueva graced the occasion and delivered the keynote address as its Guest of Honor and Speaker. A total of 197 trainees received their certificates of completion after fulfilling the intensive twelve-week program, which covered legal fundamentals and practical applications designed to equip them for meaningful roles in advancing access to justice. In his keynote address, Supreme Court Associate Justice Raul B. Villanueva called on the graduates to remember the nobility of their role as frontliners in making justice accessible to ordinary Filipinos: “May we continue to build–and pray for–a justice system that is learned, compassionate, efficient, and fair. May you always remember that in serving the law, you serve justice and in serving justice, you serve the nation.” Justice Villanueva’s words left a profound impression, urging Batch 33 to carry forward not only legal knowledge but also compassion and integrity in their work. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr. Steve F. Dailisan urged his peers to go beyond knowledge of the law and to stand as partners of the justice system in advocating what is right and just. In his Closing Message, Atty. Marwil N. Llasos further challenged Batch 33 to resist complacency, reject shortcuts, and let the law truly serve the people through integrity and commitment.
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The Paralegal Training Program (PTP) of the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) successfully concluded its Legal Writing Seminar 2025 on August 7-8, 2025 at the University of the Philippines BGC Auditorium, Taguig City. The two-day seminar gathered 196 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, united by a common goal: to sharpen their skills in legal writing with focus on drafting and understanding contracts. The program was carefully designed to equip participants with both a solid foundation and advanced insights into contract-writing. Day 1 featured substantive lectures that laid the groundwork for effective legal writing. Topics included the fundamentals of legal writing, issue identification, critical thinking, and the essential elements of contracts–effectively serving as a “Contracts 101” for paralegals. Atty. Donna Zapa-Gasgonia and Atty. Mia Gentugaya led the sessions, distilling complex concepts into practical lessons that paralegals can readily apply. The day concluded with an open forum, giving participants the chance to raise questions and clarify key concepts. Day 2 marked the shift from theory to practice. The morning session highlighted Atty. Gentugaya’s in-depth lecture on the different kinds of special contracts, from loans to mortgages, sale, lease and donation. In the afternoon, participants engaged in a collaborative writing workshop, working in groups to draft sample contracts that were later presented and reviewed by mentors. Constructive feedback and best practices were shared, reinforcing the importance of precision and clarity in contract drafting. The seminar concluded with an open forum, responses from the lecturers, and the distribution of certificates. Participants left the seminar not only equipped with practical tools but also motivated to apply their learnings in their workplaces and advocacies. As one trainee reflected: “I was able to grasped various ideas in these topics such as elements of legal writing and the fundamental ideas about contracts, which would be really helpful for [me] to perform better in my ongoing job.” The Legal Writing Seminar 2025 reaffirms PTP’s commitment to delivering practical, skills- based training in legal writing, with contract drafting emphasized as a vital area where paralegals can directly support lawyers and contribute to the delivery of legal services. By combining academic rigor with real-world application, the program underscored the essential role of paralegals in strengthening access to justice and improving legal processes. Looking ahead, the PTP remains steadfast in its mission to upgrade and professionalize paralegal services nationwide. Building on the success of this year’s seminar, participants and future trainees can anticipate more opportunities for training in legal writing and contract drafting, ensuring that paralegals remain empowered partners in the practice of law.
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The Paralegal Training Program (PTP) of the UP Law Center recently concluded its Anniversary Dinner on September 7, 2024, at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City, as part of its yearlong celebration of its 10th anniversary, with the theme: “Pag-inog, Pag-usbong, Pagsulong: Isang Dekadang Dangal at Husay.” In attendance were the graduates of the PTP certificate courses, PTP lecturers, the PTP committee and its staff. The night started with the welcoming remarks of DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, in which he recalled how paralegals have truly contributed not only to the practice of the legal profession but also to the smooth and efficient administration of justice. Thereafter, recognitions were given to the distinguished mentors and alumni who have given themselves to the training and education of trainee paralegals for the last decade. Among those who were given recognition as founding members of the PTP were Prof. Danilo Concepcion, Prof. Fides Cordero-Tan, Prof. Concepcion Jardeleza and the late Prof. Eduardo Labitag. The bulwarks of the PTP were also acknowledged, among which were Atty. Hosanna T. Ayson, Atty. Paul Kenneth Davis and Atty. Elizabeth Pulumbarit. The lecturers of the PTP for the past ten years were also credited for their invaluable contribution to the training of paralegals. The graduates also shared their stories and memories, as well as how the PTP contributed, not only to their own growth, but that of the legal profession as well. <p> <iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ax1kpQqUvZMmgpd2xK0WvP3UldEzK77_/preview" height="640" width="100%" allow="autoplay"></iframe> </p> While everyone was enjoying their dinner, and each other’s company, the UP Concert Chorus gave a performance that captured how the PTP contributed to the improvement of the paralegal practice in the country since 2014. The anniversary dinner ended with the closing remarks of the present chair of the PTP, Atty. Elizabeth Pulumbarit, and the singing of the UP Naming Mahal. The attendees described the anniversary dinner as a memorable experience filled with nostalgia, evoking fond memories of the training experience, and a hope for continued growth and success in the years to come for the PTP.
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PTP Kicked Off its 10th Year Anniversary Celebration: Legal Writing Seminar for Paralegals The Paralegal Training Program (PTP) of the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) recently concluded a legal writing seminar for paralegals last June 20, 2024 to kick off its 10th anniversary celebration. The seminar was attended by two hundred and eleven (211) paralegals and aspiring paralegals alike from different sectors of society including law offices, government offices, private business enterprises, self-employed persons, business owners, fresh graduates, freelancers and non-governmental organizations at the University of the Philippines BGC Auditorium, 32nd/38th Street, Taguig City. Atty. Donna Z. Gasgonia and Atty. Elvira Veronica D. Escueta-Duavit led the legal writing seminar and lectured on the essentials of legal writing as applied to the functions of a paralegal. The two lecturers impressed upon the trainees the types of legal writing, critical thinking and analysis, the stages of legal writing, sources of law and evidence. Atty. Jelorie F. Gallego was the overall coordinator of the whole-day seminar. The seminar was divided into the morning and afternoon sessions which were filled with technical yet engaging discussions on the foundations of legal writing which prepared the paralegals for their legal writing exercises. The trainees were specifically tasked to prepare a demand letter and a complaint affidavit as an output and as a requirement to attain a certificate of participation from the PTP. The trainees were not only equipped with knowledge and skills after the seminar but were also inspired to learn more. As a trainee noted: “The seminar was well organized. Hope there will be more training/seminars like this!” Another expressed his gratitude to the unique learning experience and said: “Thank you very much UPLC PTP. This Legal Writing Seminar is very helpful for me and I'm looking forward to apply these learnings soon! Excited to join more of your upcoming seminars… Maraming salamat po! I also love the free packed lunch! Really appreciate it.” The training seminar was fittingly concluded by the words of Atty. Elizabeth R. Pulumbarit, the chair of the PTP, in which she recognizes the important role of paralegals in the work of lawyers and in the administration of justice. She wittingly modified a cliché, saying: “Behind every successful lawyer, there is a paralegal”. A Decade of Quality Training The PTP was initially conceived as a first level, foundation and certificate training course in non-degree paralegal studies. It is aimed to provide trainees with basic legal knowledge and practical skills in the effective and efficient performance of paralegal tasks as a means of upgrading and professionalizing paralegal services, thus assisting in and contributing to the administration of justice in the country. The first foundation course was successfully launched on January 17, 2014 and the rest is history. To date, the PTP has conducted twenty-nine (29) foundation certificate courses and numerous specialized courses which were tailor fitted to the needs of a specific set of trainees or paralegals. Some trainees of the PTP were inspired to pursue a career in law and became lawyers, while others continued to serve as a paralegal for their specific offices or advocacies. 10th Year Anniversary Celebration As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the PTP will be holding a “roadshow” in various parts of the country, from Luzon to Mindanao, by conducting legal writing seminars. This will provide more opportunities for paralegals from the different parts of the country to enhance and improve their skills and knowledge in their important roles as paralegals. This legal writing seminar is just the beginning. Better keep in touch and look out for updates at our Facebook page: UP Paralegal Training Program!
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A person who has been trained and holds authority to provide a specified number of legal services and trained in subsidiary legal matters but not fully qualified as a lawyer.It relates to a paraprofessional who assists a lawyer. Currently, Congress has yet to pass a law to make the paralegal profession a recognized and licensed profession in the country.
The Paralegal Training Program is:
2. Designed to provide its participants with basic and practical knowledge of substantial legal concepts
There is no law yet which recognizes paralegals as a licensed profession, and, therefore no certain guidelines have been established in order to be a practicing paralegal. Nevertheless, certain qualifications are needed in order to be a truly effective paralegal. A paralegal, though not a lawyer, must be qualified, through education, training or work experience, in providing assistance to a lawyer in the delivery of legal services. S/he must possess knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law that would qualify him/her to do work of a legal nature.
“Dangal” or honor is the guiding principle which the University of the Philippines bases all other principles in the pursuit of its noble goals. It is abiding by truth and having integrity despite the temptations of giving in to the comfort of taking the easier but dishonorable route.
It is with “dangal” that the Paralegal Training Program conducts its trainings. Rigorous, technical and systematic training is offered to its trainees with the goal in mind that it is by ethical and moral means with which one should acquire and utilize knowledge. “Dangal” is so embedded in the education of its trainees that the knowledge and wisdom learned are purposively used for the betterment of our country.
The University of the Philippines is known for its “Husay” or excellence for contributing leaders, researchers, and graduates who have influenced and shaped the Filipino nation. Partnered with “dangal”, “husay” is geared towards the common good and utilizing such excellence in the service of the Filipino People.
The Paralegal Training Program, through its esteemed mentors, trains present and future paralegals to achieve their potentials in giving themselves to the service of being a paralegal. Through methodical and tailor-fitted training, “husay” is achieved by our trainees.
The Paralegal Training Program is an extension service and training program of the UP Law Center which aims to lay the foundation for the development and professionalization of paralegal work in the country.
To be a paralegal in the Philippines, one needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or humanities, or a background in law. However, these undergraduate courses cannot prepare a student to face the bureaucratic labyrinth.
The Paralegal Training Program of the UP Law Center was designed to provide its participants with basic and practical knowledge of substantial legal conecpts pertaining to government; the judicial system; civil, criminal and quasi-judicial procedure; jurisdiction of local government units; ethical standards of judges, lawyers and civil servants; and the rules, regulations, and procedures of various administrative agencies.
At the end of the program, the participants are expected to have developed the following abilities: to identify, analyze, and evaluate common conflict areas in paralegal work; to recommend law-based resolutions; and to process common legal transactions with trial courts and government agencies.
The Paralegal Training Program was launched last January 7, 2014 with 52 accepted trainees out of 98 training applicants. Each participant must complete twenty-six (26) three-hour sessions that covers a period of three months.
The program is the first step in a ladder of specialized training programs of the UP Law Center for the development of the paralegal profession in the Philippines. This activity of the UP Law Center is pursuant to its mandate as an institution dedicated to teaching, research, training and legal extension services.
The UP Law Center Paralegal Training Committee is composed of: Profs. Eduardo A. Labitag and Concepcion L. Jardeleza, Attys. Elizabeth R. Pulumbarit, Hosanna T. Ayson, Marwil N. Llasos, Jacqueline Veloria-Mejia and Michael T. Tiu, Jr., with UP College of Law Dean Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II and Associate Dean Solomon F. Lumba as Advisers.
FOR PTP33 (ONLINE)
The application period is from March 31, 2025 to May 2, 2025 (or until the slots are full)
Registration and payment details will be sent to the accepted applicants via email.
FOR ONLINE PTP
It will consist of twenty seven (27) modules spread over twenty nine (29) training sessions of three (3) hours per session, or a total of ninety four (94) hours.
The online PTP will adopt a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods — The lectures shall be done asynchronously via Google Classroom wherein a series of recorded video lectures will be posted weekly for the trainees to access and study at their own pace and time. The synchronous activities, such as the iQ&A Forum every Saturday, shall be done via Zoom.
| PTP Certificate Course Number | Training Schedule | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| PTP 32 | January 25, 2025 to May 3, 2025 | November 3, 2024 to December 15, 2024 |
| PTP 33 | May 24, 2025 to August 23, 2025 | March 31, 2025 to May 2, 2025 |
| PTP 34 | September 13, 2025 to December 13, 2025 | July 7, 2025 to August 15, 2025 |
LECTURE MATERIALS
The handouts of all “knowledge” modules, which have been prepared by the Lecturer, are to be distributed online (soft copies) and are intended to be read and studied by the trainee at his/her own pace and convenience.
VIRTUAL LEARNING SERIES (VLS)
Asynchronous online modular delivery of bundled 2-3 modules using Google Classroom and other appropriate online platforms for the preparation and delivery of lectures weekly.
INTERACTIVE Q&A FORUM
A live, synchronous, interactive Q&A forum between trainees and lecturers for each Virtual Learning Series
TEMP CHECK
Mentorship and group activity which applies the basic legal doctrines and principles as well as rudiments of legal writing and legal research.
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
5. Passing marks for all pop quizzes
The 27 Modules will cover a total of 94 training hours, excluding the estimated hours to be spent by trainee for the assignment/tasks for practical applications of learnings and the corresponding performance assessment tools.
Tel. Nos.: 8925-5855, 8920-5514 loc. 313 and 314
Mobile Nos: 0917 5805954 & 0905 4330753
Email: ptp_law.upd@up.edu.ph
