Talisay City: The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 (Central Visayas) has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Talisay City College (TCC) to establish a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in the city. This collaboration aims to integrate human rights education into academic institutions to nurture a generation of professionals who are conscious and informed about human rights issues.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CHR highlighted in a news release that the new center seeks to foster awareness among students, ensuring they are informed about human rights. CHR-7 Legal Division chief Euvic Ferrer emphasized the importance of creating graduates who are mindful of human rights, stating that such awareness is crucial when these individuals become leaders in their respective fields.

The CHRE will serve as a ‘safe space for learners’ in higher educational institutions where the rights of women, vulnerable groups, and marginalized students are protected. Its responsibilities will include organizing volunteers, conducting training and accreditation with the regional CHR, developing and implementing human rights education programs, and enhancing these programs through research and special studies. Additionally, the center will assist in establishing and building the capacity of Barangay Human Rights Action Centers within its jurisdiction.

CHR-7 Director Arvin Odron underscored the government’s responsibility to protect human rights and expressed a desire to collaborate with more higher education institutions in Central Visayas. He noted existing partnerships with the University of the Visayas, University of Cebu, and University of the Philippines Cebu, and mentioned that the University of San Carlos has also shown interest in establishing a human rights center on its campus.

TCC president Dr. Richel Bacaltos remarked on the need for tertiary institutions to balance industry demands with the overarching mission of education. He stressed the importance of cultivating values such as equality, respect, and justice alongside producing skilled professionals.

The agreement signed on February 20 mandates collaboration between the CHR and TCC to establish, develop, strengthen, and sustain CHRE operations on campus. The center will be easily accessible, with a designated director or coordinator and a secretariat to manage its operations.