Davao: The Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. (RMC) broke ground on Wednesday for the construction of the Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera building, promising to provide quality legal education not only to Dabawenyos but also to Mindanaoans. Expected to be completed in 2027, Dean Ramon Edison Batacan of the RMC College of Law said the five-story facility will feature 29-tiered classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and an amphitheater-style lecture hall.
According to Philippines News Agency, the facility will cater to about 700 students, with the College of Law expecting enrollment growth due to the new building. Batacan noted that although classes currently run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the expansion will enable the college to offer morning and afternoon sessions.
Lorenzo Raphael Magno, RMC vice president for administration and finance, shared that the facility will be named after his great-grandfather, Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera, honoring his legacy of vision, service, and dedication to education and justice. Justice Abellera was a distinguished associate justice of the Court of Appeals and held key offices under then-president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., his classmate at the University of the Philippines College of Law.
According to Magno, the building symbolizes three pillars: justice grounded in education, opportunities accessible to all, and a relentless pursuit of academic excellence. He explained that it will serve as a hub for law students, shaping future advocates, jurists, and public servants who will embody integrity, leadership, and service.
RMC Board of Directors chairperson Leo Tereso A. Magno emphasized that the project is not merely about constructing a law school building but fulfilling a promise to the people of Davao and Mindanao. He highlighted that the building, named in honor of his late grandfather, reflects his vision and will be shared with RMC's graduate schools and other academic units. The officials also assured that scholarship programs will be available for law students, reinforcing RMC's commitment to accessible education.
