Kalinga State University has formalized a significant partnership with the Commission on Human Rights – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHR-CAR) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) witnessed by the university officials yesterday, June 5, 2024, at the Research and Development Training Hall. This collaboration aims to establish, develop, and sustain a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in the university. The CHRE will serve as a hub for human rights instruction, research, and extension, strengthening the university’s role in promoting and protecting human rights in the region.

KSU President Eduardo T. Bagtang highlighted the university’s longstanding commitment to human rights education, which began in 2010. He emphasized the importance of the CHRE when he said, “This partnership is crucial as we need to educate ourselves about our rights. Understanding our rights is a significant advantage, and it is essential to know the correct actions to preserve them.”

President Bagtang expressed gratitude to the CHR-CAR for their collaboration and with the signing of this MOA, the university will be able to solidify a partnership and make significant strides in human rights education.

Atty. Romel P. Daguimol, Regional Director of CHR-CAR, underscored the role of educational institutions in advancing human rights. “The purpose of this partnership is to enable KSU to play a greater role in human rights education through instruction, research, and extension.” He added.

Dr. Juan Moshe Duyan, who initiated the training programs, noted the significance of reestablishing the CHRE at KSU in collaboration with the CHR. He emphasized that the MOA aims to foster human rights awareness among minorities and promote human rights locally through a research and extension agenda, using a standardized approach for higher education institutions to have a more substantial impact.

Following the MOA signing, a Human Rights Education and Training session was conducted. The session featured Ms. Charmaine Joy C. Batong-Ambros, Information Officer III of CHR-CAR, and Ms. Marlyn G. Palngadao, Training Specialist IV of CHR-CAR, as resource speakers. The training included 20 participants from both the teaching and non-teaching staff, who will serve as human rights educators and advocates within the new center.

This initiative marks a key step in KSU’s commitment to human rights education, ensuring that the university is well-informed and proactive in the promotion and protection of human rights.