How does Law and the Legal Profession promote social justice and the common good for the peoples of Mindanao?

A discussion that we had on a minor subject included a study of a writing titled "I am one of the Mountain People" by Macario D Tiu. This is a summary of his narrative, which follows: it is about how a lumad boy in Mindanao was chosen by his village to be enrolled in a Christian School for the purpose of learning their ways. And during a discussion about our interpretation of what this specific "way" was, which they mentioned, which led the boy's village to encourage him to attend and receive Christian education, our professor emphasized that the "way" referred to the lumad boy knowing his Rights. 

This perspective aims to highlight the importance of rights for the Filipino people. Often, people experience multiple injustices daily because they are unaware of the protections that the government is supposed to provide for them. To add, in the story, the lumad boy is a victim of the circumstances brought by the new institution that the Philippines is structured on, established by the majority of our Christian Filipinos. Before I continue, a disclaimer: this is not intended to place blame on the Christians, but rather to focus on the limitations our current laws and enforcers provide, as well as how the subject of Law and the legal profession can help overcome these social injustices for the common good. It is not uncommon to stumble on articles online that indicate violations that are experienced by Mindanaons, like the lack of justice from tribal leaders or members being killed for their land, just as what happened to the Bagobo-Giangan Datu Dominador Diarog.[1]  As for the common good, underfunded schools and hospitals are a significant issue in Mindanao that hinders progress toward a better quality of life, as seen in the situation at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, which, as of 2025, was reported to be one of the institutions receiving minimal funds. It is also short-staffed, according to the Philippine Collegian.[2] 

The examples mentioned above are a few instances of the unfortunate yet preventable issues prevalent in our society. That being said, how can we apply the Legal Professionals in these circumstances? For there to be a common good in this promised land, it should be addressed by an also good legal professional, one that works and fulfills his duties to promote moral as well as to upheld temptation of abusing their position of power as a tool solely for profit, Their priority is to provide justice to the ones that are the most need of their services and contributing to movements both in the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations. Equipped with the knowledge of the constitution and other legal matters, as with utilizing existing writs that will guide the clients in resolving whatever currently threatens to violate their rights as citizens of this Country. A good Legal Professional should also strive towards not only dealing with the current threats but also collaborate with other professionals, both of the same and other fields, to properly apply different perspectives when proposing bills or ordinances, and other developmental frameworks that takes into account the unique situation in this region, the "whys"  such as why are we currently having such issues and the "whats" on our history, social, and our culture that supports the "whys" existence and which laws can we apply or amend to be more suitable for a successful progress, that would be the foundation for strengthening the rule of law and nation-building of the Philippines. For Mindanao to finally achieve social justice and the common good, as it is our right to experience such, not only the Lumads, Christians, Muslims, or so on, but us, as Filipinos.

Reference:

[1] Arguil las, C. O. (2023, July 7). Death in the village of Harmony. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com/c3-news/2008/05/death-in-the-village-of-harmony/

 

[2] Philippine collegian. (n.d.). https://phkule.org/article/1701/in-davaos-biggest-public-hospital-patients-endure-long-hours-for-affordable-care