ILOILO PROVINCE — The Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) is set to expand its reach in the region with the establishment of its upcoming Visayas campus in the municipality of New Lucena.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo spearheaded the signing of the deed of donation for a 20,000-square meter property on October 8 in Iloilo City. The land was formally handed over by New Lucena Mayor Carl Mondejar to accommodate the new training facility for the judiciary.
The ceremony was witnessed by key judicial figures, including PHILJA Chancellor and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Edgardo delos Santos, Court Administrator Justice Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, and Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr.
Local officials, judges, and members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Iloilo chapter were also in attendance.
While PHILJA’s primary campus is located in Tagaytay City, this new development aims to make judicial training more accessible for justices, judges, and court personnel across the Visayas region.
The signing coincided with Iloilo hosting the 33rd National Convention of the Philippine Trial Judges League Inc. from October 7 to 9.