The John Wesley School of Law and Governance (JWSLG) conducted a two-day Public Legal Orientation on Legal Literacy in the Digital Age, Online Safety, and Data Privacy on November 12–13 at the NEUST Sumacab Campus, attended by more than 500 participants.
Organized under the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP), the event was designed to promote responsible digital citizenship and increase awareness among the youth on online abuse and privacy violations. The program featured discussions led by CLEP student interns, youth leaders, and volunteer lawyers from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)–Nueva Ecija Chapter, under the supervision of Atty. Maria Carmela C. Wenceslao-Mendoza, CLEP Supervising Lawyer and IBP Nueva Ecija President.
The sessions focused on the growing concerns of cyberbullying, online harassment, and data privacy violations that continue to affect young people in the digital era. CLEP students explained complex cyber laws in simple and relatable ways through interactive presentations, practical examples, and open forums.
Participants gained useful knowledge about their rights under Philippine cybercrime and data privacy laws, safe and responsible online behavior, available remedies and reporting mechanisms, and the importance of protecting personal information in digital spaces.
The event also brought together youth leaders, including representatives from the Cabanatuan City Local Youth Development Council and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, emphasizing the shared responsibility of educational institutions and the youth sector in creating safer online communities.
The two-day orientation featured guest speakers who made the discussions both informative and engaging. Atty. Anthony R. Escasinas, a lawyer and digital content creator, delivered an inspiring talk that blended humor, real-life stories, and practical legal advice to help participants understand how the law can protect them online. Atty. Jose Maria Ceasar C. San Pedro, the Provincial Administrator of Nueva Ecija, known for his innovations in local governance, encouraged participants to view the law and technology as tools for civic responsibility and social good. JWSLG Law Professor, Atty. Bembol D.L. Castillo, highlighted that empowerment must be rooted not only in legal knowledge but also in cultural awareness, ethical leadership, and moral responsibility.
One of the highlights of the program was the “Defend Your Rights” breakout session, where participants analyzed real-life scenarios involving online harm such as identity theft, fake accounts, and cyberbullying. Working in groups and guided by volunteer lawyers and CLEP interns, the participants identified the applicable laws and discussed possible legal actions that could be taken by victims. The activity provided an opportunity for the participants to apply what they learned and demonstrate their understanding of legal concepts through practical problem-solving.
The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks from university officials who commended the CLEP team for bringing legal education closer to the community. The event successfully fostered a learning environment where young people not only deepened their understanding of cyber laws and data protection but also felt empowered to assert their rights, speak up against online abuse, and promote responsible and respectful behavior in the digital world.
Article and photos courtesy of Darren J. Gonzales
