Katarungan Para sa Lahat, Tulong na Tapat: Project Katarungan to Bridge the Legal Gap for Indigent Communities

By: TLP Katrin Jessica D. Guinigundo

5 photos

GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER AUGUST 2026 Katarungan Para sa Lahat, Tulong na Tapat: Project Katarungan to Bridge the Legal Gap for Indigent Communities By: TLP Katrin Jessica D. Guinigundo To kick off the new Rotary year and begin carrying out its commitment to create lasting impact, the Rotary Club of New Manila South (RCNMS) launched Project Katarungan on August 1, 2026 at the Covered Courts of Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City. The initiative serves as the club’s flagship legal aid program, created to help make legal assistance more accessible to underserved communities. Recognizing that many individuals are unable to seek legal help due to financial limitations, Project Katarungan provides free legal assistance to indigent individuals and families, as well as to barangay officials and community groups within the barangay. By offering accessible legal guidance and support, the project seeks to bridge the gap between legal concerns and those who need help the most. As stated by RCNMS President, Katrin Jessica D. Guinigundo during her opening remarks: “[n]aniniwala po kami na ang batas ay dapat magsilbing instrumento ng katarungan, proteksyon, at kalayaan. Ngunit ang katotohanan ay marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi lubos na nakaaalam ng kanilang mga karapatan o hindi nagkakaroon ng pagkakataong makalapit sa tulong legal dahil sa kakulangan ng kaalaman, pagkakataon, o kakayahang pinansyal. Dahil dito, ang batas, na dapat sana'y para sa lahat, ay nananatiling hindi ganap na naaabot ng marami.” Project Katarungan offered free community legal seminars, individualized consultations, document drafting and free notarization. The event drew approximately 232 participants and was supported by 49 volunteer lawyers from various law firms, corporations, and legal backgrounds. Its successful implementation was made possible through the close partnership between RCNMS and the barangay. Through partnerships like these, RCNMS continues to support stronger, better-informed, and more resilient communities. Rotary Club of New Manila South