Tacloban City, Philippines – June 22, 2026. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in partnership with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Commission on Elections, conducted the #AkoBatayan – Ako Kabataan, Tumitindig para sa Kinabukasan ng Bayan Caravan at the EVSU Graduate School Main Campus. This event marked the first program under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last March 9, 2026, which seeks to establish the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) at EVSU through the CHR’s Human Rights Institute Program.

The collaboration aims to integrate human rights education into the university’s instruction, research, and extension programs, strengthening the role of academic institutions in promoting rights awareness and advocacy. As one of the first Centers for Human Rights Education in Leyte, EVSU served as one of the key implementation sites for the Eastern Visayas leg of the caravan.

The sessions featured a range of topics designed to empower students and youth leaders. Human Rights 101 was presented by Ms. Rezalyn M. Ylagan, Training Specialist IV from the CHR Central Office. Ms. Jonna Marie M. Ranes, Information Officer III of CHR Regional Office VIII, discussed the Qualities of a Youth Leader. Ms. Cherry Mae L. Malate, Area Office Head of the National Youth Commission for Regions 7 and 8, tackled Youth Participation and Leadership. Finally, Atty. Ma. Goretti V. Caseñas-Cañas, Acting Provincial Election Supervisor of COMELEC Regional Office VIII, explained Understanding the Electoral Process.

The event was further enriched by the participation of Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC Regional Director of CHR Regional Office VIII; Justice Monina Arevalo Zenarosa, Commissioner of CHR; and Mr. Joseph Francisco Ortega, Chairperson of the National Youth Commission.

This initiative highlights the importance of academic partnerships in advancing human rights education. By embedding rights-based perspectives into university programs, EVSU, CHR and its partner agencies hope to empower students and youth leaders to become advocates for justice, equality, and democratic participation.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality education; SDG 10: Reduced inequality; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.

Via | MSIA UMDC