Community-based Dialogues Project (CBD)
CBD Institutionalization and Core Group Strengthening
HSF
The activity aimed to: (i) increase awareness and appreciation among the participants on the Community-based Dialogue (CBD) as a mechanism towards improvement of the human rights situation in the province; (ii) identify human rights issues affecting development initiatives in the province; (iii) establish openness among the security sector, CHR and CSOs to discuss human rights concepts and principles, and (iv) come up with an agreement on how to sustain discussion towards human rights promotion and protection.
Messages of support and solidarity were delivered by representatives from the offices of the provincial governor and Kalibo mayor, CHR and HSF. Mr. Bayani Cordova, ‘Sangguniang Panlalawigan’ (Provincial Council/Legislature) Board Member representing the governor stressed the maintenance of peace and order, and a conducive climate where business would thrive to achieve development and progress in the province and for its citizenry. He encouraged collaboration towards an ideal community that upholds human rights and dignity.
Ms. Carla Doromal, Executive Assistant to the mayor of Kalibo shared their vision to safeguard the dignity of every individual. She welcomed the conduct of the first CBD in the province that allows different stakeholders to come together and identify and address pressing human rights issues affecting the people. She hoped the outcome of the discussions will bring about a safer and more just environment for every individual with their rights valued and protected. She called on the participants to have an open mind and commit to real, meaningful change.
CHR regional director, Atty. J. Dabuco expressed appreciation to the continued support of HSF in the conduct of CBD in the region. He stated the essence of the CBD as a good opportunity to gather and share perspectives, listen to each other’s ideas, and foster understanding and collaboration to strengthen the community. He hoped the activity will contribute to an open and respectful engagement towards finding solutions to issues and concerns raised in cooperation with concerned agencies.
HSF
HSF resident representative, Mr. A. Birle briefly shared the work of HSF together with its partners, including the long-running CBD project. He reckoned that the project opened the partnership among government institutions, civil society, security sector, and the CHR in the promotion and protection of human rights. He stated that the CBD creates opportunities for exchange and cooperation between the security sector and civil society to discuss and address human rights issues and violations, as well as reaching out to the communities. He opined that while there is progress made in the area of human rights in the country, there are still challenges that will require joint efforts to find sustainable solutions for stakeholders and the communities alike. He noted the importance of raising awareness and appreciation for the CBD and initiating a communication mechanism such as the CBD towards improving the human rights situation in Aklan.
HSF
Four presentations were shared which include an (i) Overview of the CBD Project and Dialogue Principles by PROCESS Foundation. The project worked with the PNP, AFP and CSOs to help address human rights violations by enhancing the relationship between the security sector and civil society through open dialogue. It also shared the rights, responsibilities and skills entailed in conducting dialogue vis-à-vis debate.; (ii) Rights-based Approach Framework (RBAF), Participatory Governance and People’s Empowerment by the CHR. The foundations of RBAF were discussed including the UN Declaration on the Right to Development which put the human person as the central subject of development, active participant, and beneficiary of development.; (iii) Update on the Peace and Order Situation in Aklan by the PNP. Total crime incident increased by 6.54% from January to August 2023 (933) to the same period this year (994).; and, (iv) Counter-Insurgency Efforts (Focused Military Operation (FMO) and Civil Military Operations (CMO)) by the AFP. For the FMO, a total of 217 Combined Army Detachments (CAA) for the 3rd Quarter 2024 performed security patrols, AFP-PNP checkpoints, and security/community assistance. Forty-one (41) CMO activities were conducted related to civic affairs, public affairs, and psychological operation.
HSF
During the Workshop reporting and Open Forum, the participants raised the following issues and concerns: (i) development aggression such as the expansion of the Kalibo International Airport, and the proposed Boracay bridge and windmill in Malay causing displacement among residents and farmers around the area as well as environmental issues; (ii) child/arranged marriage among indigenous peoples; (iii) right to health (e.g., no vaccine, no work); (iv) sand quarrying affecting the delivery of water; (v) flood control projects along the riverside affecting residents and farmers; (vi) issues on production such as high cost of farm inputs, lack of irrigation water, defective dams, depleted watershed; (vii) renovation of Kalibo Public Market affecting vendors; and (viii) trafficking of children/violence against women and their children.
The participants thanked the organizers for conducting the CBD which they found a good opportunity to discuss and address human rights issues and concerns prevailing in the province of Aklan.
Ms. Maria Adelia Co delivered the Closing Message. She mentioned that challenges such as incidents of human rights violations can be solved through closer cooperation of stakeholders and requires mutual trust and confidence-building to attain sustainable solutions. She encouraged strengthening personal and institutional working relations by coming together and openly exchanging ideas and addressing problems, in a solution-oriented and non-confrontational way. She acknowledged that much has been done to improve the human rights situation in the country and hoped that Aklan will replicate the significant accomplishments in neighboring provinces, Iloilo and Antique. She thanked the organizers and participants of the activity for attending the activity and actively participating in the discussions.
Finally, the group gathered for a photo opportunity for documentation purposes.