The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) proudly launches its newest initiative, the CHR Contact Poster, to expand its reach to communities across the country with limited access to digital infrastructure. This project seeks to serve more Filipinos who prefer accessing public services through their local barangay or municipal offices. It is designed to complement the recently launched CHR MISMO or the Management Information System Monitoring Outlet, a webpage portal aimed at digitalizing the process of filing complaints and requests with the Commission.
CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc explained that while transformative changes are happening in the digital landscape to improve public service delivery, the Philippines is still working toward achieving full Internet connectivity nationwide.
“This is to ensure Filipinos are provided with diverse options to access government programs, even in communities with limited digital access. It reduces their vulnerabilities and empowers them to fully exercise their right to access public services,” Chairperson Palpal-latoc said.
The CHR Contact Poster initially envisioned to only include the Commission’s contact information for display in various local government offices. However, it has evolved into a client-centric, visually appealing design, prominently featuring the question, “Nalabag ba ang inyong karapatang pantao?” (Have your human rights been violated?).
The conceptualization of the CHR Contact Poster was made possible through the valuable feedback of Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, CHR’s budget sponsor who tirelessly defended the Commission’s budget for the past 3 years. She emphasized the need for a mechanism that caters to individuals with limited digital access. Her contributions, as a staunch advocate of inclusive service delivery, played a key role in shaping this initiative.
Recognizing the diversity of languages spoken throughout the country, the CHR designed the initiative to resonate more deeply with various communities across all regions.
“To enhance its effectiveness, the CHR ensured the use of regional mother tongues, enabling more Filipinos to better connect with the Commission’s services,” said Executive Director and Public Assistance and Strategic Communications Office Head Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia.
The CHR Contact Poster is also aligned with this year’s National Human Rights Consciousness Week theme, “Empowering Humanity: Upholding Dignity, Protecting Rights, and Promoting Peace.” By bridging gaps in access to human rights services, particularly for those without internet connectivity, the initiative reinforces the Commission’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and peacebuilding. Together with the CHR MISMO platform, it embodies a harmonious balance between innovation and inclusivity, empowering every Filipino to access their rights.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission acknowledges that inclusivity requires layered perspectives to be fully realized on a national level. With this understanding, the CHR crafts initiatives and mechanisms that cater to the situation of vulnerable sectors to address their specific needs, ensuring no one is left behind. The launch of the CHR Contact Poster is a significant step toward meeting the needs of every Filipino, ensuring inclusivity in a society moving toward electronic government services.
Aligned with our mantra, “CHR ng Lahat: Naglilingkod Maging Sino Ka Man,” the Commission remains steadfast in the fulfillment of its mandate: to continuously develop and refine its endeavors, prioritizing accessibility for the most vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged sectors, ensuring that no one is left behind. ###