CAGAYAN de Oro has been selected as one of 10 pilot areas nationwide for the localization of the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4), a 2024–2028 roadmap that integrates rights-based approaches into governance and inclusive development.
The initiative is led by the Caucus of Development NGO Networks Inc. in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights.
According to Klaidel Hope A. Concepcion, advocacy communications staff of CODE-NGO, the localization process includes sectoral training workshops, including a two-day session held February 16–17 in Cagayan de Oro.
The workshop brought together representatives from indigenous peoples, women, farmers, LGBTQ groups, fisherfolk, and urban poor communities. Concepcion said the activity aims to lay the groundwork for institutionalized local human rights action plans that can be integrated into local governance systems.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Angelique Umbal, campaign and advocacy chief of the CHR central office, emphasized that localizing PHRP4 ensures national human rights commitments are translated into concrete policies and programs at the local level.
Through the localization of PHRP4, human rights principles are expected to move beyond national declarations and influence local budgeting priorities, development planning, sectoral protection mechanisms, and monitoring and grievance systems.
The six-month project, titled “CSO-Led Monitoring and Advocacy Towards Promoting Rights-Based Approaches in Local Governance,” aims to institutionalize these reforms in pilot areas, including Cagayan de Oro.
