CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – Through its Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, the Philippine government is finalizing the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4) with nationwide consultations. The plan addresses a broad range of issues beyond the traditional civil and political rights focus.
PHRP4 is part of the state’s commitment under the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action from the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights aimed at tackling both ongoing and emerging human rights issues, covering civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, migrant workers, and those deprived of liberty.
The government, in partnership with the United Nations, has created a roadmap to expand human rights discussions. The UN has encouraged the Philippines to adopt this comprehensive approach, which includes addressing issues like poverty, labor concerns, healthcare, and education.
“The goal of a human rights plan is to broaden the scope of human rights. Focusing solely on civil and political rights is not enough. Human rights also include economic, social, cultural, and sectoral rights, such as those for women, children, and persons with disabilities,” said Undersecretary Severo S. Catura, executive director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat.
The draft plan is under review by human rights stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society, and local government units nationwide.
Regional talks in Cagayan de Oro City focused on eight key areas during the Northern Mindanao and Caraga joint consultation on August 19-20. Plenary sessions included diverse groups, such as parents’ associations, agrarian organizations, labor unions, transport sectors, and representatives of persons with disabilities. Local governments and regional development councils contributed diverse perspectives to the discussions.
“Starting from Luzon and the Visayas, we’ve engaged about 319 organizations from various sectors. Here in Mindanao, over 60 civil society organizations are involved. In these plenary discussions, participants can voice specific concerns, including the rights of those deprived of liberty and issues from faith-based organizations, including Muslim, Catholic, and Evangelical groups,” Catura said.
Paulo Cempron, Chairperson of the Federation of Motorela Operators and Drivers in Cagayan de Oro City, expressed gratitude for being included in the consultation process for PHRP4.
“We were invited to contribute to this plan. Such consultations were unheard of in past administrations. I have high hopes for this initiative. Let’s support the government in this effort—it’s for everyone,” Cempron urged participants.
The comprehensive approach in the Philippine Human Rights Plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing various issues impacting Filipinos, ensuring that all sectors of society are represented and heard.
As PHRP4 takes shape, it will enhance strategies for government programs and projects aimed at improving living standards, quality of life, and human dignity for all Filipinos, in line with the vision of the Marcos administration. (JAKA/PIA-10)
