Community-based Dialogues (CBD) Project
5th CBD Regional Institutionalization-Localization Workshop and Regional-Level Policy Dialogue held in Subic for Region III
HSF
More than 50 participants attended the two-day CBD Workshop representing key officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the division down to the battalion level, the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the region down to the city level, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) from the regional and central offices, as well as leaders and human rights advocates from civil society organizations (CSOs). Members of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) from partner organizations which comprised the training team and secretariat were also present, namely, the Alternative Law Groups (ALG), AFP Human Rights Office (HRO), Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) and Hanns Seidel Foundation/Germany (HSF).
HSF
The 2-day workshop gave the participants the opportunity to understand in practical terms the “Economic, Social and Cultural Rights” (ESCR) in the context of their situation on the ground vis-à-vis the role/contribution of the security sector in its promotion and protection. Part of the program includes a presentation on the UN Concluding Observations on the Combined 5th & 6th Periodic Reports of the Philippines, related programs of the AFP, PNP and CHR, discussion of local issues and concerns and planning session, among others.
Given the expanded focus of the project in pursuit of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) for its current phase (2017-2019), much of the discussions centered on critical issues and concerns in Region III such as economic dislocation created by some mining projects and related serious health problems resulting from air pollution and environmental degradation, land dispute, poor governance (LGU), lack of housing (demolition), livelihood and teachers, and jail congestion/poor sanitation.
HSF
The participants expressed their appreciation for the conduct of the workshop as well as the positive engagement between the civilians and security forces, including relevant government agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through their regional offices.
Moreover, the Regional-Level Policy Dialogue was held as a back-to-back activity with the Institutionalization-Localization Workshop. The topics covered were the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 specifically the chapters on justice, peace and security, and the AFP campaign plan, Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan.” The participants shared their comments and suggestions for an interesting and lively open forum.