The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Zamboanga Mayor Hon. John Dalipe welcomed H.E. Luc Véron of the Delegation of European Union and H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado of the Embassy of Spain, 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 program, 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 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," explained Ambassador Luc Véron. "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."
Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado said: "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 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, the Commission now boasts nine 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.
With a total grant of 19 million euros (P1.1 billion) over a period of four years, the EU's GOJUST program supports the Government of the Republic of the Philippines' efforts to improve access to justice for all Filipinos.
The first component of GOJUST works on justice reform with the Philippine Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to develop more responsive and accountable justice services in the country.
In addition, GOJUST supports the Commission on Human Rights' strengthening drive to implement its constitutional mandate of civil and political rights protection and enhance human rights promotion in the Philippines. This component is co-funded with the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID), with an additional 1 million euros (P59.47 million).