SALIGAN has five programs, on women, labor, the urban poor and peasant sectors, and local governance, each engaged in legal literacy and paralegal formation, litigation support, policy advocacy, research and publication, and internship.

For Women

We handle cases of women victims of gender-based violence. We advocate for the enactment of laws addressing women’s issues. We have also trained paralegals that assist litigants in the courtroom and other women in crisis.

For Workers

We analyze amendments to the Labor Code, engage in the discussion of public sector unionism, and address migrant workers’ concerns. We also address issues on security of tenure, the right to a living wage and speedy labor justice, and the welfare of women workers.

For the Urban Poor

We have a human rights-based approach to litigation, focused on the implementation of the Urban Development and Housing Act. We conduct legal clinics through key partnerships with urban poor associations and other NGOs.

For Peasant

We work with both civil society and the government on the sustainable use of natural resources, and access to them by marginalized communities. Among our core advocacies is resource tenure improvement and security for farmers and fishers.

For Local Governance

We direct our efforts and resources to increasing people’s participation in local governance. We conduct trainings on local legislation and policy formation, the barangay justice system, and the national advocacy towards democratizing local governance.

For Regional Affairs

In addition to engagement in similar activities, unique areas of concern are addressed by Saligan’s branches in Bikol and Mindanaw, which has environment, peace, and Moro and indigenous peoples as additional programs. Among these efforts are lobbying and litigating for watershed protection in Davao City, secretariat work for networking among peace groups, legal representation of Moros in political or politically motivated cases, and lobbying for recognition of customary laws among indigenous peoples.