NEW LUCENA, Iloilo — The Municipal Government of New Lucena has donated a 20,000-square-meter property in Barangay Guinobatan to serve as the future site of the Philippine Judicial Academy. The deed of donation was signed on October 9, 2026, at the Iloilo Convention Center.
A Historic Donation for Judicial Education
The signing ceremony was led by New Lucena Mayor Atty. Carl Vincent Mondejar, PHILJA Chancellor and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Atty. Edgardo L. Delos Santos, and Court Administrator Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. served as a witness to the agreement.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo graced the event, underscoring the national significance of the donation. The presence of the country's highest judicial officials highlighted the importance of establishing a dedicated training facility for the judiciary outside Metro Manila.
PHILJA: The Judiciary's Training Institution
The Philippine Judicial Academy is the education and training institution of the Philippine Judiciary. Established under Republic Act No. 8557, the Academy serves as a training school for justices, judges, court personnel, lawyers, and aspirants to judicial posts.
PHILJA develops and implements programs in judicial education aimed at strengthening legal knowledge, integrity, efficiency, and professional capability within the Judiciary. Its mandate extends to continuing education for incumbent judges and personnel, ensuring they remain updated on evolving laws and jurisprudence.
A Boost for Regional Judicial Development
The donation positions Iloilo as a strategic location for judicial training and development. A dedicated PHILJA site in New Lucena will make continuing legal education more accessible to magistrates and court personnel from Western Visayas and neighboring regions. This decentralization reduces travel costs and time away from judicial duties.
The property in Barangay Guinobatan offers ample space for future facilities, including training halls, dormitories, and research centers. The Academy can develop a comprehensive campus tailored to the needs of the judiciary while fostering an environment conducive to learning and reflection.
Gratitude and Recognition
Governor Defensor expressed appreciation for the municipality's generosity, noting that the donation reflects New Lucena's commitment to strengthening the justice system. His presence as a witness demonstrated the provincial government's support for the initiative.
The ceremony was also attended by presiding justices, associate justices, Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Atty. Mehelinda A. Penetrante, trial judges from Iloilo, and regional court managers. Governor Defensor was joined by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, LMP-Iloilo President and Badiangan Mayor Atty. Suzette Mamon, and Attorney Artem Raymundo.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Governor Defensor, who celebrated his 57th birthday on the same day, received a surprise greeting from attendees. The warm gesture underscored the collaborative spirit behind the landmark donation.
A Lasting Legacy for the Judiciary
The donation of the New Lucena property represents more than a transfer of land. It is an investment in the future of Philippine justice. By providing a permanent home for PHILJA's training programs, the municipality contributes to the development of competent, ethical, and efficient judicial officers.
As the Academy expands its reach, the New Lucena site will serve generations of legal professionals. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local government units and national institutions work together toward a common goal.
