CHR Region VIII

31/03/2026

LNU Student Leaders Attend Gender and Human Rights Forum

TACLOBAN CITY, March 31, 2026 — In a culminating event for Women’s Month, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in partnership with Leyte Normal University (LNU) through its Supreme Student Council and Gender and Development Office, held a Gender and Development lecture titled “Her Rights, Our Responsibility: Human Rights 101 and Gender Sensitivity Laws Forum” at the LNU Ballroom Hall.

The forum, attended by student leaders, focused on Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act). Presenters included Joseph Orbino, Information Officer II, and Jonna Marie Ranes, Division Chief of the Promotion Division of CHR Region VIII.

The forum aimed to empower students to recognize and assert their rights, prevent gender-based harassment, and advocate for safe, inclusive, and rights-respecting spaces within schools and communities. These objectives were formally affirmed by OIC President of the Supreme Student Council, Xandrei Cezar Say, through his opening message, and reflected in the Statement of Purpose of Dr. Gerardo Nicol, Director of the Gender and Development Office.

Also present were Dr. Joyce Magtolis, Vice President for Student Development; Ariel G. Salarda, Director of the Student Organizations and Activities Office; and Jon Ivan Torreros, LNU Student Regent. #

31/03/2026

CHR, LNU Champion Safe and Inclusive Schools Through Gender and Human Rights Law Lecture

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office VIII, in collaboration with Leyte Normal University (LNU) through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, successfully conducted a lecture on human rights and gender-sensitive laws titled “Understanding Gender-Based Human Rights Violations in Schools: Strengthening Safe and Inclusive Environments.” The activity was held on March 30, 2026, at the Ballroom Hall of LNU in Tacloban City.

The event gathered faculty members and university staff, who were oriented on the fundamentals of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including its root causes and prevailing manifestations in the home, school, and workplace. The session also emphasized the profound impact of violence on victims and highlighted the critical role of educators and personnel in preventing its occurrence, responding appropriately, and advocating for safer and more inclusive spaces. This discussion was delivered by Ma. Carmela Pullantes, Head of the Sectoral Programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII.

A comprehensive discussion on legal frameworks—both international and national—was likewise presented. It highlighted key policies addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence, including Republic Act No. 7877 and Republic Act No. 11313, as well as relevant provisions under Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2015 and the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS). This segment was facilitated by Jonna Marie Ranes, Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division of the Commission on Human Rights.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Gil Nicetas Villarin, University President of LNU, emphasized that the activity reinforces the institution’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and rights-based academic environment. Meanwhile, LNU Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Solomon D. Faller, Jr., underscored the importance of embodying and actively promoting gender equality.

Further, Dr. Gerardo Nicol, Gender and Development Director of the university, delivered the Statement of Purpose, highlighting that the activity strengthens the partnership between CHR and LNU in operationalizing the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE).

This activity forms part of the celebration of National Women's Month, anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” with the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”

As the country’s Gender Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, the Commission on Human Rights reaffirms its commitment to honoring and empowering women, #

30/03/2026

The Commission on Human Rights – Regional Office VIII, in collaboration with Eastern Visayas State University, conducted the activity “Creating Safe Zone for Juan and Juana” on March 23, 2026 at the Graduate School Function Hall, EVSU, Tacloban City.

The activity was attended by 80 college students, where Ms. Jonna Ranes, Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division of CHR, served as the resource speaker for an orientation on S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC).

Prof. Rodney Abaigar, a faculty member of EVSU, also delivered an overview of the Anti-Discrimination Bill and Human Rights laws in the Philippines, further enriching the students’ understanding of legal protections and equality frameworks.

The activity was organized by the University’s Gender and Development (GAD) Office as part of its continuing efforts to promote awareness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity within the academic community.

Dir. Glenda Tupaz formally opened the program, emphasizing that the collaboration aligns with the celebration of National Women's Month, anchored on the theme “Leading like the Babaylans: Advancing Women’s Rights Law and the Fight Against Discrimination.”

Photo Credit: EVSU

27/03/2026

[WATCH] Launching of - May Karapatan ang Kabataan sa kanilang Kinabukasan

23/03/2026

Nakikiisa ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) sa pagdiriwang ng Girl Child Week 2026 ngayong 22-28 Marso 2026 na may temang “Katawan Ko, Karapatan Ko: Edukasyon Tungo sa Malaya at Ligtas na Pagpapasya.”

Ang bawat batang babae ay may karapatang magkaroon ng sapat at tamang kaalaman tungkol sa kanilang sekswal at reproduktibong kalusugan, upang makagawa ng ligtas at responsableng desisyon tungkol sa kanilang katawan at kinabukasan.

Muling pinapaalala ng Komisyon na mahalagang palakasin ang edukasyon; proteksyon laban sa maagang pagbubuntis at child marriage; at, ligtas na espasyo para sa mga kabataan, alinsunod sa prinsipyo ng best interests of the child sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Sa pagtalima sa Girl Child Week, sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang lipunang kumikilala na ang katawan ng batang babae ay hindi lugar ng kontrol o pang-aabuso, kundi espasyo ng karapatan, dignidad, at malayang pagpapasya.

13/03/2026

Bilang pakikiisa sa mga hakbang ng pamahalaan para sa energy conservation at mas episyenteng paggamit ng enerhiya sa mga tanggapan ng gobyerno, ipatutupad ng Commission on Human Rights ang Special Flexible Work Arrangement simula Biyernes, 13 Marso 2026.

• Work-from-home: tuwing Biyernes
• On-site operations: Lunes hanggang Huwebes

Bilang pakikiisa sa mga hakbang ng pamahalaan para sa energy conservation at mas episyenteng paggamit ng enerhiya sa mga tanggapan ng gobyerno, ipatutupad ng Commission on Human Rights ang Special Flexible Work Arrangement simula Biyernes, 13 Marso 2026.

• Work-from-home: tuwing Biyernes
• On-site operations: Lunes hanggang Huwebes

10/03/2026

CHR RO VIII and EVSU Formalize Partnership for Center for Human Rights Education

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII (CHR RO VIII) and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) on March 9, 2026. The activity was held at the Graduate School Conference Room of EVSU during the CHRE MOA Signing and Action Planning Activity.

The ceremonial signing was attended by Dr. Dennis de Paz, University President, together with the University’s Vice Presidents: Dr. Analyn Españo, Vice President for Students, Internationalization and External Affairs; Dr. Benedicto Militante Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Lydia Morante, Vice President for Administration, Finance and Auxiliary Services; and Dr. Danilo Pulma, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Services.

Representing the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines were Ms. Jonna Marie Ranes, Division Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division, and Mr. Bonifacio Balase, Division Chief of the Investigation Division.

The activity formally commenced with the opening of the program by Rudolf Hernandez, University Legal Officer.

Messages of commitment were subsequently delivered by President de Paz and Mr. Balase, underscoring the shared dedication of both institutions to strengthening collaboration and advancing initiatives related to human rights education and advocacy. In his message, Dr. De Paz emphasized that the partnership signifies more than the formalization of an agreement; rather, it reflects a shared commitment to work hand in hand in advancing the principles of human rights, education, and community engagement.

The ceremonial MOA signing was followed by an Action Planning session participated in by the different offices and colleges of the University to operationalize the Center for Human Rights Education in the areas of instruction, research, and extension. This initiative aims to serve as a mainstreaming mechanism for integrating human rights principles and education into the University’s academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement activities. #

06/03/2026

Today, 6 March, the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII, led by OIC Regional Director Atty. Joy Sodusta, conducted a courtesy meeting with the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH EVCHD) headed by Regional Director Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino, CESE.

The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration, particularly by engaging the expertise of the Department of Health during orientations, seminars, and other promotion and advocacy activities of CHR. These initiatives will focus on key public health and human rights concerns, including the Mental Health Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11036), teenage pregnancy, and HIV and AIDS. In turn, CHR also offered its technical assistance to DOH by providing resource persons for activities related to Gender and Development (GAD).

Present during the meeting were Ms. Winnie C. Dorego, Mental Health Program Coordinator; Ms. Antonietta Diloy, HIV and AIDS Program Coordinator; and Mr. Leo Erne, Teenage Pregnancy Program Coordinator of the Department of Health. Also in attendance was Ms. Jonna Marie Ranes, Information Officer III of the Commission on Human Rights.

05/03/2026

For nearly four decades, the CHR has operated without a legislated Charter. The swift passage of a strong and independent CHR Charter is indispensable to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding human rights, and upholding the dignity of every Filipino.

Read: https://bit.ly/4ber5JE



Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dp15VRoXQ/

05/03/2026

Upholding human dignity is a responsibility we all share.

As your , the CHR reiterates that no one should be subjected to catcalling, sexist remarks, unwanted sexual comments, or any form of harassment.
In a society where it can be easy to let words slip out, let us all be mindful of how we speak and act toward others. Respect should not only be practiced because the Safe Spaces Act is in effect, but because respect for human dignity must always come first.



Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CL8p3GobT/

05/03/2026

: Executives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) are urging Congress to pass pending House bills establishing a formal charter for the constitutional body, claiming it would strengthen its powers and secure its independence in line with international standards.

Read: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/.../chr-pushes-passage-of...

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday announced its support for Senate Bill 148, a measure that would grant maternity benefits to women workers in the informal

05/03/2026

CHR partners with the Supreme Court to expand free legal aid under ULAS
The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR) proudly announces its partnership with the Supreme Court of the Philippines in the implementation of the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS), a landmark initiative designed to ensure that indigent, disadvantaged, and vulnerable Filipinos receive adequate and timely legal assistance.

The collaboration was formalized during the Supreme Court’s launch of Phase 1 of the ULAS Portal on 3 March 2026, which also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the CHR, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. ULAS serves as a centralized digital platform enabling covered lawyers to comply with mandatory pro bono legal aid obligations while expanding nationwide access to free legal services.

CHR’s role in advancing ULAS
Grounded in its constitutional mandate to provide legal aid and preventive measures to individuals whose rights have been violated or require protection, the CHR recognizes ULAS as a vital mechanism that strengthens collective efforts to guarantee access to justice. Across its central and regional offices, the Commission stands ready to support the Supreme Court in reaching rights-holders who cannot afford legal services, drawing on key programs under its Protection, Promotion, Prevention, and Policy mandates.

Under its Protection mandate, the CHR provides free and accessible legal aid through its Legal Clinic Caravan; walk-in, phone-in, and e-lawyering services; the Management Information System Monitoring Outlet or the CHR MISMO online complaints platform; Free Legal Assistance Access Channels; Strategic Litigation Program; and Quick Response Operations.

Under the Promotion mandate, the Commission advances legal literacy through Human Rights Education and Training Programs; public information campaigns; and related awareness initiatives.

Through its Prevention mandate, the CHR implements proactive measures, such as the Jail Visitation Program and Project Puting Papel, to help safeguard the rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty.

Meanwhile, the Policy mandate reinforces these efforts by recommending human rights–aligned legislation; monitoring government compliance with international human rights obligations; and, conducting community-based dialogues alongside related policy-oriented programs.

Together, these services under CHR’s main mandates ensure that qualified beneficiaries, especially those most in need, receive essential legal assistance while also providing avenues where lawyers can meaningfully volunteer and contribute. These free and accessible services benefit tens of thousands of Filipinos annually, particularly those in geographically isolated, conflict-affected, and detention settings.

Commitment to accessible justice
CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors: “Access to justice is a cornerstone of human dignity, and institutions must work together to dismantle barriers that prevent individuals from asserting their rights. May our shared work continue to bring the promise of justice closer to every Filipino.”
By supporting the implementation of ULAS, the CHR affirms its dedication to protecting the rights of all persons within the Philippines, consistent with its constitutional mandate and long-standing advocacy for equitable access to justice. As the ULAS Portal expands its features and reach, the Commission reiterates its readiness to coordinate with partner agencies, assist in the referral of qualified beneficiaries, and integrate its community-based human rights programs into the ULAS system. # # #

Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ay3pYn2Xz/