The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has officially kicked off Phase 2 of Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan, dubbed as LaKarAn, in Region X–Northern Mindanao, with a two-day series of engagements held on 17–18 September 2025 in Cagayan de Oro City.

CHR Commissioner and Spokesperson Beda A. Epres led the activities alongside CHR Region X Regional Director Atty. Jeanne Ivy F. Abrina and the CHR Region X team, with support from the Human Rights Promotion Office; Campaign and Advocacy Division; Legal, Legislative, and Government Division; and the Strategic Communication Division of the CHR Central Office.

In a statement, Comm. Epres expressed optimism at the start of LaKarAn Phase 2. “LaKarAn allows us to listen to the voices on the ground and respond to the real human rights needs of communities. They are the reason behind our advocacies and legislative agendas, and what better way to fulfill our mandate than by standing with them, listening to them, and working alongside them.”

The event opened with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the CHR and four academic institutions—Magsaysay College, City College of El Salvador, Initao College, and Opol Community College—formally designating them as part of the growing network of Centers of Human Rights Education (CHRE).

A media forum was also convened in line with CHR’s commitment to media welfare and safety, tackling issues confronting local journalists and discussing the Commission’s initiatives in support of the Philippine Plan of Action for the Safety of Journalists.

Commissioner Epres likewise paid courtesy visits to the Police Regional Training Center Region 10 and the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and held dialogues aimed at reinforcing human rights integration within security institutions at both the local and national levels.

Other highlights of Region X LaKarAn included a Human Rights Action Center Summit and learning sessions on Human Rights 101, the Right to Mental Health, and the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), attended by CHRE partners, Human Rights Action Teams from various local government units (LGUs), and Philippine National Police personnel.

A separate CHR–LGU Advocacy Forum was also organized to promote the passage of local human rights ordinances, while a CSO Forum and Community-Based Dialogue provided space for civil society organizations in Cagayan de Oro to raise pressing concerns and explore avenues for collaboration with CHR.

LaKarAn, a flagship initiative of CHR Chairperson Richard L. Palpal-latoc, advances human rights awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level. It serves as a platform for dialogue with communities, local leaders, and the media, while enabling the Commission to better understand and respond to the human rights situation on the ground.