A meaningful Meet and Greet Dinner with the Philippines Mindanao Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society was held on March 24, 2026, at Seda Abreeza, Davao City.
The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for legal professionals, members, and invited guests to connect, foster relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations centered on faith, professional responsibility, and service. The evening was marked by a spirit of unity and shared purpose, as attendees strengthened bonds within the legal community.
Among those present were Don Fletcher, Philippines Area Legal Counsel of the Office of the General Counsel, and his wife, Christy, as well as Elder Shatzer, Associate Area Legal Counsel, and his wife, Sister Shatzer. Their presence added depth and inspiration to the gathering.
Also in attendance were the Philippines Mindanao Chapter Officers: Atty. Lezl Gusay, Chapter Chair; Atty. Joanna Christabelle Luyong-Belleza, Chapter Chair-Elect; and Atty. Aleksei N. Belleza, Chair on Religious Freedom, whose leadership continues to strengthen the Society’s mission in the region.
In his message, Don Fletcher shared a powerful reminder on the true purpose of pursuing the legal profession—encouraging attendees to reflect on why one chooses to become a lawyer and to remain anchored in service, integrity, and faith in their practice.
The event also welcomed new members of the Society, including Atty. Alnessa Mhea R. Macabenta and Atty. Kaye Lucille Marie Hugo, further strengthening the growing JRCLS community in Mindanao.
The dinner also set the stage for the subsequent Family and Peacebuilding: A Religious Freedom Forum, held the following day, further emphasizing the shared commitment to promoting religious freedom, family values, and peacebuilding efforts in society.
Through initiatives like this, the collaboration between the Office of the General Counsel and the JRCLS Mindanao Chapter continues to inspire lawyers and law students to integrate faith with the practice of law and to use their profession as a force for good.
