The Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC), in partnership with Manila Adventist College, hosted Legal Talk 2.0 on May 4–5, 2026. The event brought together 150 leaders from various colleges, academies, and schools to tackle a vital goal: aligning church policies with national laws. Under the theme "Harmonizing Governmental Laws and SDA Policies," attendees worked on creating updated institutional handbooks to protect and guide their organizations.
Protecting Students and Schools

The first day featured Atty. Cecilio D. Duka, who discussed the balance between Students' Rights and Institutional Authority. The session helped school heads understand how to keep order on campus while respecting the legal rights of every student. 

Dr. Alevir Pido, SwPUC Education Director, called the gathering a "tradition of open conversation," allowing leaders to share both the joys and challenges of running modern academic institutions.
Leadership as a "Sacred Trust"

The second day shifted the focus toward internal management and employee relations. Atty. Gizelle Lou C. Fugoso presented Labor Laws and Jurisprudence, a session that highlighted the constitutional protections for labor, including security of tenure and the requirements of due process.

Atty. Fugoso reminded the delegates that leadership within the church is a "sacred trust." She noted that understanding labor law is not merely a matter of policy compliance but a moral imperative. “It keeps you legally guided, it keeps you morally grounded, and it keeps your leadership accountable before God,” she stated, citing the biblical mandate from Micah to do justly and love mercy.

To ensure the concepts discussed could be implemented effectively, the event featured interactive Question and Answer segments and specialized breakout sessions. These workshops allowed participants to delve into the practicalities of handbook development:
•    Student Services Handbook: Moderated by Ms. Caroline D. Finones.
•    Personnel Handbook: Moderated by Dr. Jerwin B. Botabara.
•    Administrative Manual: Moderated by Mr. Joey Ray T. Dayahan.
The conference concluded with a reinforced commitment to responsible leadership. By uniting governmental requirements with the wisdom of God, the participating institutions are better equipped to foster environments of justice, order, and clarity. Legal Talk 2.0 demonstrated that for the Adventist educational system, a strong legal foundation is essential for long-term success and the preservation of institutional credibility.

By uniting legal expertise with faith-based values, Legal Talk 2.0 equipped educators to build stronger, more credible institutions grounded in both justice and divine wisdom.

By Liezel May Casaysay, Kristine Tudtud
SwPUC Com.Dept.

Photo Credits:
Alevir Pido
Manila Adventist College