The Third-year Juris Doctor (JD) students of John Wesley School of Law and Governance (JWSLG) of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Nueva Ecija Chapter and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), successfully conducted a public seminar titled “BUWIS BUHAY: Your Guide to Taxation” at the JJDG Auditorium, WUP Cushman Campus, on November 17, 2025.The event aimed to enhance public awareness and understanding of basic taxation concepts, particularly among Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) owners, students, and taxpayers in general.
Under the guidance of Atty. Maria Carmela C. Wenceslao-Mendoza, Supervising Lawyer of the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) at JWSLG and President of the IBP Nueva Ecija Chapter, the law students organized the seminar as part of their CLEP community-based legal education initiative.
The seminar featured Atty. Kim H. Valentino-Taguinaldo, CPA, a CPA-lawyer and Junior Partner at Lex Virtus Law Firm, as guest speaker. Atty. Taguinaldo underscored the crucial role of taxation in national development and discussed the most common taxes encountered by MSMEs in the ordinary course of business.
The program opened with remarks from Hon. Judge Inocencio B. Sagun, Jr., Dean of the John Wesley School of Law and Governance, who warmly welcomed participants and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to empowering communities through accessible legal education. An inspiring message was also delivered by Ms. Shaira Mae P. Silverio, CPA, CTT, Vice President for Operations of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Nueva Ecija Chapter, highlighting the importance of tax literacy and ethical business practice.
Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue were likewise present, setting up information booths and assisting participants with taxpayer-related inquiries throughout the event.
A total of 267 participants attended the seminar, composed of 95 MSME and organizational representatives, 156 students from the College of Business and Accountancy, and 16 JD students from JWSLG.
This activity was part of the law students’ Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) community-based legal education requirement and reflects Wesleyan University-Philippines’ mission to serve as a center for learning, leadership, and social responsibility—bridging legal education with meaningful public service.#
Article and photos courtesy of Darren J. Gonzales
