The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Zamboanga Mayor John Dalipe welcomed the European Union Ambassador HE Luc Véron and Spain Ambassador HE Miguel Utray Delgado, for the inauguration of the new CHR IX building in Tumaga Porcentro, on March 1, 2024.
Funded by the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through the GOJUST Human Rights programme, the building’s modern facilities and strategic location in Tumaga Porcentro will allow CHR to serve communities in Region IX and nearby areas more effectively.
At the ceremony, CHR’s Chairperson, Hon. Richard Palpal-Latoc stated “It brings much enthusiasm to the CHR’s human resources, particularly in the regions, to work in a conducive place where the environment may be equivalent to their second home. Having their own building means giving them the pride and dignity to uphold their respective responsibilities as civil servants and human rights defenders. This also means making the CHR and its services more accessible and visible to the people.”
“We see a link in supporting the work of the Commission on Human Rights in Zamboanga and the EU’s support to peace and development in Mindanao. In the end, it is about enabling the Filipino citizens to live in a world, which offers dignity, opportunities, justice and fair treatment. By inaugurating this building today, we help to move the needle in this direction”, explained European Union Ambassador Luc Véron.
Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado from Spain stated that “One of the strongest alliances of the Spanish Cooperation with Philippine government institutions is the one we have with the Commission on Human Rights. Together with the EU (…) we have successfully supported a bridge-building between the society and the government for the human rights protection and promotion.”
The new building will provide a platform for the CHR to facilitate access to remedies from human rights violations, bolster human rights education and training, and enhance awareness of human rights mechanisms.
With the inauguration of Zamboanga’s building (php15 million), the Commission now boasts nine (9) regional offices. Two more buildings, in San Pablo, Laguna and Davao City, are to be completed over the coming months to help the CHR provide prompt, accessible and responsive services to citizens in regions 4A and 11.