Have you ever thought of needing a guide to protect what you value the most? You’d better have a deeper understanding of your rights.
Maybe it’s the money you’re saving up for a new laptop, the small business you dream of starting, or even the beautiful beaches where you spend your summer vacations.
Usually, we think university lectures are just about theory and textbooks, but the University of Batangas (UB) recently hosted an event that proved otherwise
In celebration for UB’s 80th Founding Anniversary, the Founders Memorial Lecture (FML) turned the Juan Y. Javier Culture and Arts Building into a venue for curiosity to wander on April 24, 2026 with the College of Business, Accountancy, and Hospitality Management and College of Law faculty members and students. With the theme “From Knowledge to Enterprise: A Summit on National Issues and Business Leadership,” the morning session wasn’t about memorizing dates; it was about learning how to defend your rights, your wallet, and your country.
Here is a deeper look at why this lecture matters to you, your family, and your future.
1. Small Claims Guide
We’ve all heard stories of people getting “scammed” or “ghosted” after lending money or selling a product. For a long time, Filipinos believed that going to court was a “rich person’s game” because lawyers are expensive and cases can last for years. But Hon. Judge Sharmagne Joy A. Binay smashed that myth with Small Claims Guide, providing a better understanding of consumer rights.
She explained that for any amount up to ₱1 million, you can use the Small Claims Court. Think of this as the “Express Lane” at the supermarket, but for justice.
- No Lawyers Allowed: That’s right! In Small Claims, you don’t need to hire a high-priced lawyer. The law wants you to speak for yourself.
- The Power of a Screenshot: In the old days, you needed fancy contracts. Judge Binay says the court welcomes GCash receipts, Facebook Messenger chats, and Instagram DMs as proof. If you have the chat where they promised to pay, you have a case!
- Final and Fast: While normal cases drag on, a Small Claims judge makes a decision within 24 hours of the hearing. And once they decide, it is “final na final”—no more endless appeals.
Why this matters to you: This turns every student and aspiring entrepreneur into a protected businessman. It means no one can bully you out of your hard-earned money just because you don’t have a law degree. It levels the playing field for everyone.
2. The 1875 Map: Our National “Land Title”
Next, the mood shifted from personal money to our national home. Retired Justice Antonio T. Carpio brought a “guest” to the stage: the 1875 Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino. He called it the “birth certificate” of our country.
Imagine someone walked into your backyard and claimed it was theirs just because they were bigger than you. To stop them, you’d pull out your house title, right? That is exactly what this 150-year-old map does for the Philippines.
- Proof of Ownership: This map was made by Spain long ago to show the world exactly what islands make up the Philippines. It clearly includes places like Scarborough Shoal.
- A Shield Against Bully Nations: Some bigger countries try to draw new maps to take our seas. But Justice Carpio showed that because the U.S. and Spain agreed on our borders using this 1875 map, our “Torrens Title” to these waters is legally unbreakable.
- Protecting Our Resources: This isn’t just about dots on a map. It’s about the fish our fishermen catch and the oil and gas under the sea that could power our future homes.
Why this matters to you: When you see news about the West Philippine Sea, you don’t have to feel helpless or confused. You now know we have the “receipts” to prove it’s ours. It gives you the confidence to say, “I know my history, and I know my rights.”
The Bottom Line: Knowledge is Your Best Guide
As UB President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn told the crowd, a university is a “dynamic space” where solutions are born. The FML 2026 was a reminder that you don’t have to wait until you’re “grown up” to care about law or territory.
Leadership starts with being informed. Whether you are protecting a ₱5,000 debt from a freelance job or protecting a whole ocean for the next generation, the lesson is the same: Information is power. By bringing these “Intellectual Giants” to Batangas, UB has given every student a shield of facts and a sword of truth.
The next time you see a map of our islands or a receipt for a payment, remember the Founders Lecture. You aren’t just a student; you are a guardian of your own enterprise and a defender of our national home!having the knowledge to protect what is rightfully ours, whether it’s a ₱10,000 debt or a whole island.
