HUMAN RIGHTS CHAIR GRACES SP SESSION
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC–SP | Photo By: Mark Andrew G. Sanchez, SP | Date: January 28, 2020
Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega inquires from Hon. Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon, Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), his personal views on the proposed amendment of the 1987 Philippine Constitution during the 31st Regular Session of the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on January 28, 2020 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union. The Human Rights Chief served as the Resource Speaker and talked about the programs and projects of the CHR in the province of La Union.
Hon. Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon, Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) graced the 31st Regular Session of the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) as resource speaker on January 28, 2020 at the SP Building, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Chair Gascon informed the body that the Spanish and European Government funded the newly constructed four-storey CHR building located at the Provincial Capitol Complex, City of San Fernando, La Union. Likewise, he thanked the Provincial Officials for their support to the approval of the lease contract of the 250 sq.m. lot owned by the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU).
With the establishment of the new building, Chair Gascon assured that the services of the agency will be more accessible to the people particularly to the vulnerable sectors. In this light, he encouraged partnership and teamwork with the province in pursuing their constitutional mandate on human rights, which are Human Rights Protection, Promotion, and Policy Advisory. He also commended the PGLU for its continuous implementation of human rights programs particularly the Human Rights Congress conducted every first week of December which aims to educate the youth on human rights. The annual activity is being spearheaded by SP Chair on Justice and Human Rights SPM Nancy Corazon M. Bacurnay.
Aside from the inauguration, Chair Gascon introduced the “Human Rights Cities,” a global initiative that the province could explore. It is a United Nation effort wherein the Local Government Units are encouraged to initiate small programs that focus on human rights.
“To achieve full compliance in human rights, we need to create bridges not walls,” Gascon underscored as he assured that the CHR continues to partner with the province in promoting and protecting human rights.
Also during the session, Chair Gascon answered queries from the Vice Governor and SPMs relative to the Philippine Constitution particularly on his stand on its proposed amendment having known that he is one of the framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The August Body awarded Honorable Chito Gascon a certificate and token as a mark of their gratitude and appreciation for his time and efforts in gracing their session.
