The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) conducted a CSO Training-Workshop on the Philippine Human Rights Situation and Community-led Action and Advocacy on March 3–4 as part of its project titled “CSO-Led Monitoring and Advocacy Towards Promoting Rights-Based Approaches in Local Governance.”
The six-month project, implemented from October 2025 to March 2026, aims to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) in monitoring the local implementation of the Philippine Human Rights Action Plan (PHRAP) and in developing policy agendas and campaigns toward institutionalizing human rights commitments at the city and municipal levels. The initiative is funded by the British Embassy Manila – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The project is being rolled out in ten pilot areas nationwide, including Isabela City, alongside San Juan City, Baguio City, San Fernando City, Tabaco City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Lanao del Sur.
Anchored on modules prepared by CODE-NGO, the two-day training workshop focused on enhancing CSOs’ understanding of the human rights situation in the Philippines and equipping them with tools for monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy. Discussions included an overview of the 4th Philippine Human Rights Action Plan, strengthening CSO-LGU partnerships, agenda-building, and the development of monitoring and evaluation tools.
The workshop also aimed to enable CSOs to articulate their local human rights situation, monitor the local implementation of PHRAP, craft priority human rights policy agendas aligned with local contexts, and facilitate constructive dialogue between duty-bearers and rights-holders.
Representatives from various civil society organizations and partner agencies participated in the activity, including Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., the Local Council of Women/CSO, the Isabela City People’s Council, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Philippine Information Agency, AHON, MYLO, PTC, TILAG, and CHR-CO. Also present was the Office of the City Mayor, represented by CSO Desk/IP Affairs Officer Norhaiya Macusang with Basilan District I Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman also in attendance. (With Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
