Atty. Batacan is a distinguished attorney whose career has been marked by excellence, dedication, and a commitment to justice. He completed his law studies at Ateneo de Davao University in 1990, graduating cum laude, and subsequently passed the bar exam in 1991.

During his final year at Ateneo, Atty. Batacan participated in the Clinical Legal Education Program, where he represented indigent clients in court and before quasi-judicial bodies. His exceptional performance earned him the “Most Outstanding Legal Intern” award at his 1990 graduation. This commitment to serving the underprivileged continued after he joined the Ateneo Legal Services Office. He also became a member of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), receiving a plaque of appreciation in 1994 from the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) for his work with political prisoners and human rights victims.

His service has been recognized by various organizations over the years. From 1996 to 1998, the City of Davao honored him for his work with abused children. In 1997 during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, he received recognition from the Women Network Group for his contributions to supporting abused women and children.

Atty. Batacan has also made significant contributions to the legal community. As the Managing Partner of the firm, he brings a wealth of experience. He is a faculty member at Ateneo de Davao University, College of Law, where he teaches subjects including Civil Law (Property), Commercial Law (Negotiable Instruments Law), and Environmental Law. Additionally, he is the founder and moderator of Green Juris, a university-based environmental law organization.

His leadership extends beyond teaching. He has served as Past President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Davao City Chapter, and Past Governor of IBP-Eastern Mindanao. He has also held roles such as Past President of the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild and Past Regent of the Board of Regents at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). Atty. Batacan is currently the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. He is also a member of the TAU MU Fraternity.

Before entering law school, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mindanao in 1979 and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southeastern Philippines in 1986. In 2015, he obtained his Master of Laws from San Beda College – Graduate School of Law. He is also a licensed Real Estate Broker.

Atty. Batacan is a respected member of the community and is known for his loyalty, honesty, and deep sense of justice. Born on March 30, 1958, to Elpidio Dumlao Batacan (native of Batac and Sarrat, Ilocos Norte) and Francisca Culanag (native of Bayombong, Nueve Vizcaya).  He is married to Marites Sia of Matalam, North Cotabato, and they have three children: Paul Edison, Maria Ayra Celina, and Marie Loise Claire.