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CHR Region VIII, Government Center, Candahug, Palo (2026)

27/09/2026

PUBLIC ADVISORY

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII and its Calbayog Sub-Office will observe a work-from-home arrangement until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 28 September 2026. Work will be suspended beginning at 1:00 p.m. in observance of the 34th National Family Week and Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, pursuant to CHR Management Advisory No. 35-2026.

For concerns requiring assistance during the morning, please contact the office through its official communication channels.

CHR Regional Office VIII
Email: [email protected]
Globe: 0977 724 2470
Smart: 0919 000 3975
Hotline: (053) 832 0958

CHR Sub-Office Calbayog
Email: [email protected]
Globe: 0977 724 2470
Smart: 0919 000 3975
Landline: (053) 832 0958

Regular office operations will resume on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

23/09/2026

Following the Round Table Discussion with the Local Government Unit of Mondragon, Northern Samar, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Central Office and Regional Offices proceeded to Catarman, Northern Samar on September 23, 2026, for a dialogue with the Local Government Unit of Catarman on the establishment of a Human Rights Action Center (HRAC) in the municipality.

The discussion was led by Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC-Regional Director of CHR Regional Office VIII, together with representatives from the CHR Central Office and Regional Offices.

Representing the LGU Catarman was Hon. Nerissa O. Daclag, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Human Rights, together with department heads, focal persons, local officials, and other representatives of the municipality.

Mr. Romeo B. Anasco, Information Officer II of the CHR-PLO-CAD, discussed the Establishment of the Human Rights Action Center, highlighting its role as a local mechanism for promoting and protecting human rights, strengthening referral and coordination mechanisms, and ensuring that human rights concerns are appropriately addressed at the community level.

The engagement underscores the continuing partnership between the CHR and local governments in strengthening local human rights mechanisms and advancing human rights-based governance in Northern Samar.

23/09/2026

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Central Office and Regional Offices conducted a Round Table Discussion with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mondragon, Northern Samar on September 23, 2026, as part of the continuing efforts to establish a Human Rights Action Center (HRAC) in the municipality.

The discussion was led by Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC-Regional Director of CHR Regional Office VIII, together with representatives from the CHR Central Office and Regional Offices.

Representing the LGU Mondragon were Hon. Mario M. Madera, Municipal Mayor; Hon. Myla D. Marquita, Municipal Vice Mayor; members of the Sangguniang Bayan; department heads; and representatives from the Mondragon Municipal Police Station (MPS).

Mr. Romeo B. Anasco, Information Officer II of the CHR-PLO-CAD, discussed the Establishment of the Human Rights Action Center, highlighting its role as a local mechanism for promoting and protecting human rights, facilitating access to appropriate assistance and referral mechanisms, and strengthening coordination among local stakeholders.

The Round Table Discussion underscores the shared commitment of the CHR and the LGU of Mondragon to institutionalize accessible and responsive human rights mechanisms at the local level, further advancing the promotion and protection of human rights in the municipality.

22/09/2026

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII (CHR VIII) conducted the Seminar on the Establishment of the Human Rights Action Center (HRAC) in the Province of Northern Samar on September 22, 2026, at the Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The activity brought together representatives from Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs) under the Province of Northern Samar, Department Heads of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media to strengthen local mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights and advance a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to local governance.

The program opened with the Welcome Remarks, with the message of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan delivered on his behalf by Hon. Acela Ruffa Andrea “Ara” Gillamac-Layug, conveying the Provincial Government’s message to the participants and guests.

The welcome program was followed by a series of discussions facilitated by CHR resource speakers. Mr. Melchor V. Cayabyab, Training Specialist IV, CHR-PLO-CAD, discussed Human Rights 101 and Human Rights-Based Approach to Local Governance; Mr. Alistair Kendrick T. Tan, Information Officer I, CHR-PLO-CAD, discussed the Popularization of Human Rights Advisories and Philippine Human Rights Plan 4; and Mr. Romeo B. Anasco, Information Officer II, CHR-PLO-CAD, discussed the Establishment of the Human Rights Action Center.

The afternoon sessions continued with Ms. Jonna Marie M. Ranes, Information Officer III, CHR Regional Office VIII, facilitating the Workshop on Local Human Rights Situationer and Identifying Human Rights Violations, followed by Atty. Janeth C. Lentejas, Attorney IV, CHR Regional Office VIII, who discussed Empowering HRACs and Local Government through Rights-Based Complaint Assessment, Protection, and Referral.

A Message of Commitment was delivered by Atty. Efren J. Sabong, CESO V, Provincial Administrator and Chairperson of the Human Rights Action Team of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, signifying the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening local human rights mechanisms.

The activity concluded with the Closing Remarks delivered by Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC-Regional Director of CHR Region VIII, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing human rights and rights-based governance at the local level.

The seminar underscores the shared commitment of CHR Region VIII and the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, together with local government units, government agencies, CSOs, and the media, to strengthen human rights mechanisms and promote a culture of human rights in local governance.

22/09/2026

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office VIII, together with personnel from the CHR Central Office, paid a courtesy call to the Province of Northern Samar on September 21, 2026, to discuss the strengthening and operationalization of the Provincial Human Rights Action Center (PHRAC) in the province.

The meeting was attended by Hon. Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan, Governor of Northern Samar; Hon. Don L. Abalon, Chairperson of the Committee on Laws, Justice and Human Rights, and Public Accountability; and Atty. Efren J. Sabong, Provincial Administrator and Chairperson of the Provincial Human Rights Action Center.

Representing the Commission on Human Rights were personnel from the CHR Central Office and Regional Office VIII, led by Atty. Marierose P. Alvero-Joaquin, OIC-Regional Director.

The engagement highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing PHRAC as a local mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in enhancing coordination, referral mechanisms, and access to human rights services at the provincial level.

The CHR expresses its commitment to continued partnership with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar in advancing human rights-based governance and strengthening local human rights mechanisms for the benefit of the people of the province.

16/09/2026

CHR, NwSSU Renew Center for Human Rights Education Partnership, Advance Barangay Capacity-Building on VAWC Response, Crime Prevention, and Peace and Order

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office VIII and Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) renewed their partnership to continue strengthening the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE). The signing took place on September 15, 2026, at the NwSSU University Board Room. Through the partnership, CHR and NwSSU will sustain their collaboration in human rights education, advocacy, research, and community engagement.

The activity also marked the signing of a separate Memorandum of Agreement for the NwSSU extension project, “Capacity-Building on VAWC Response, Crime Prevention, and Peace and Order,” in Barangay Oquendo, Calbayog City. The project aims to bring human rights education closer to the community and strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders to promote and protect human rights.

Atty. Marierose Alvero Joaquin, OIC Regional Director of CHR Regional Office VIII, and Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, University President of NwSSU, jointly led the signing of both agreements. Hon. Michael Loberiano, Punong Barangay of Barangay Oquendo, joined them in signing the extension project agreement. All three delivered messages of commitment to the partnerships.

Also in attendance from NwSSU were Dr. Archie Lauderes, Director of Extension Services; Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Rueda, Attorney IV of the Legal Office and CHRE Coordinator; Dr. Enricque Montecalvo, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Sciences; Dr. Joar Uy, BS Criminology faculty member and extension project lead; and Dr. Vercelle Docdoc, Quality Assurance Coordinator. Representing CHR Regional Office VIII were Jonna Marie Ranes, Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division, and Joseph Roel Obrino, Information Officer II.

The agreements reflect the shared commitment of CHR, NwSSU, and the Barangay Government of Oquendo to make human rights education more accessible and responsive to the needs of students, educators, local officials, and the community.

13/09/2026

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII joins the Lingkod Bayani Run 2026, organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), held today, September 13, 2026, in Palo, Leyte.

The activity brings together government employees in promoting a culture of wellness, camaraderie, and dedication to public service. It also recognizes the commitment and contributions of public servants who continuously uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and service to the Filipino people.

CHR Region VIII remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being and solidarity of government workers in the pursuit of responsive, accountable, and people-centered public service.

11/09/2026

CHR RO VIII Strengthens Human Rights Education Among SLSU Criminology Students

The Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII (CHR RO VIII), in partnership with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), conducted “Creating Safe Zones for All: A Lecture on the Anti-Torture Act and Safe Spaces Act for Criminology Students” on September 3, 2026, at the SLSU Main Theater.

The activity brought together third-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology students and selected first-year students to strengthen their understanding of human rights, legal safeguards, and their future responsibilities as practitioners in the criminal justice system.

Mr. Joseph Roel Obrino, Information Officer II, discussed the Anti-Torture Act, while Ms. Jonna Marie Ranes, Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division, presented the salient provisions of the Safe Spaces Act.

Dr. Constantino Medilo Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs of SLSU, formally opened the program. In his message, he encouraged the students to become law enforcers who serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights, emphasizing that effective law enforcement requires not only enforcing the law but also protecting human dignity and upholding justice.

Dr. Denis Torino, Dean of the Faculty of Criminal Justice, delivered the closing message and encouraged the students to become advocates of justice, equality, and respect for human rights. The activity was also attended by Dr. Aldwin Teves, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Ms. Shyn Luege Villaflores, Director of Gender and Development Office.

Through this initiative, CHR RO VIII and SLSU reaffirmed their commitment to developing rights-conscious professionals and building safer, inclusive, and just communities and strengthening Human Rights Education.

10/09/2026

CHR RO VIII, DSWD FO VIII Conducts Safe Spaces Act Orientation

TODAY- In celebration of Social Protection Month 2026, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office VIII and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII conducted an online orientation on the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313.

Organized by DSWD Field Office VIII, the activity gathered more than 80 participants, including DSWD personnel and Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) from across Eastern Visayas who are involved in implementing social protection programs and services.

Ms. Jonna Marie Ranes, Chief of the Promotion and Advocacy Division of CHR Regional Office VIII, served as the resource person and discussed the salient provisions of RA 11313. Her presentation covered gender-based sexual harassment in streets and public spaces, online platforms, workplaces, and educational or training institutions.

The orientation highlighted the Safe Spaces Act as a vital legal foundation for promoting respect, protecting human dignity, and creating safer spaces for all. By first strengthening participants’ understanding and awareness of the law, the activity equipped them to recognize gender-based sexual harassment and respond appropriately—protecting victim-survivors, addressing their immediate safety and psychosocial needs, and facilitating timely support and referrals through social protection programs.

Through the activity, CHR and DSWD reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering gender-responsive and rights-based social protection programs and promoting safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces and communities.

07/09/2026

LOOK: CHR Regional Office VIII Joins the Lingkod Bayani Commitment Wall

In celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the personnel of CHR Regional Office VIII, led by Atty. Marierose Alvero-Joaquin, OIC Regional Director, participated in the Lingkod Bayani Commitment Wall activity.

Guided by the theme “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” this year’s celebration recognizes the vital role of government employees in advancing responsive, ethical, and people-centered public service. It highlights Puso sa Serbisyo, Dangal sa Tungkulin, and Galing sa Paglilingkod as the core values that should guide every public servant.

As a meaningful expression of this commitment, CHR Regional Office VIII personnel placed painted handprints on the Commitment Wall to symbolize their collective dedication to public service. Each handprint represents a personal pledge to serve with compassion, perform one’s duties with honor and integrity, and pursue excellence in protecting and promoting human rights.

Through the activity, the personnel reaffirmed their responsibility as Lingkod Bayani; public servants committed to serving the Filipino people with heart, honor, and excellence and to fostering a responsive, accountable, inclusive, and human rights-centered government.

CHR Region VIII

27/09/2026

23/09/2026

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

16/09/2026

13/09/2026

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

07/09/2026

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm