LAKARAN Cordillera

The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, led by Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc, launched the Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan, dubbed as LAKARAN on 22-24 March 2023.

On its 1st day, The led by the CHR Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in partnership with the Human Rights Education and Promotion Office, DILG, and the Local Government of Baguio City, conducts a 2-day Barangay Human Rights Action Officer’s (BHRAO) Summit on March 22-23, 2023 in Baguio City.

On its 2nd day, Chairperson Palpal-latoc, made a courtesy visit to Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Bañez Magalong at the Baguio City Hall. Human Rights Education and Promotion Office (HREPO) Director Atty. Tom Temprosa, CHR - Cordillera Administrative Region Director Atty. Romel Daguimol, Department of the Interior and Local Government Baguio City Director Millicent Cariño, and members of the City Council were also present during the meeting.

Chairperson Palpal-latoc and Mayor Magalong tackled the Human Rights Defender Bill and other initiatives of the CHR for human rights promotion and protection. Mayor Magalong shared his commitment and the city's thrust to ensure the human rights of Baguio's residents.

The event was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the city's Human Rights Action Center Office. Delegates from the Commission and representatives from the local government unit also joined an Ibaloi ritual in which an Elder determined the city's future.

Afterward, Chairperson Palpal-latoc led the oathtaking and pinning of the newly elected officials and board of directors of the City's Barangay Human Rights Action Center in President Fidel V. Ramos Gymnasium.

On its last day, a Civil Society Organization’s (CSOs) Day was held to introduce the 6th Commission En Banc and its thrust toward Human Rights Education and Promotion. Chairperson Palpal-latoc emphasized the formulation of the National Inquiry on Red-Tagging and how it would help address the rising concerns of individuals and groups affected by it.

Atty. Lyndon T. Morales, Legal Division Chief of the CHR-Cordillera Administrative Region, facilitated the Paralegal Training Session with representatives from various CSOs. Project Management Division Chief Princess Moleno shared the information on partnership and funding opportunities with CHR and the GOJUST II Human Rights Project.

HREPO Director Atty. Temprosa and CHR - CAR Director Atty. Daguimol was also present during the open forum to answer the questions raised by the attendees. CSOs raised concerns on PWD concerns, persistent red-tagging in schools and communities, on-ground investigation of human rights violations, and additional psychosocial services for human rights victims and their families.

Chairperson Palpal-latoc shared the Commission’s commitment to follow through on investigating the cases of human rights violations in Cordillera and strengthening the partnership with government agencies and CSOs.

The #LAKARAN is a regional human rights caravan of CHR supported by the GOJUST II Human Rights Project, co-funded by the European Union and AECID Philippines.