PHILIPPINES

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE: Learning Seminar on HRBA in Local Community Governance: Building Rights-Based Leadership Among Elected Youth Leaders in Tanay, Rizal

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines, in partnership with the Municipal Government of Tanay, Rizal, organized a four-day learning seminar on the human rights-based approach (HRBA) to local community governance. Held in Cristina Villas Mountain Resort and Hotel from September 15 to 18, 2025, the activity gathered 29 youth leaders from the municipality to strengthen their knowledge and skills in rights-based governance and project development.

The seminar combined lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions that enabled participants to design six community-based project proposals focused on issues such as gender equality and non-discrimination, disability inclusion, indigenous peoples’ rights, climate action, and youth empowerment. The proposals reflected the integration of HRBA and alignment with the Philippine Human Rights Plan IV. Three proposals were selected for initial funding support from FNF Philippines, with the CHR and Municipal Government of Tanay, providing additional technical and institutional backing.

The activity underscored the role of youth leaders as partners in promoting human rights and inclusive local governance. It also surfaced the need for stronger mentorship and linkages with local structures to ensure sustainability. Moving forward, CHR aims to build on this pilot initiative by expanding similar activities to other underserved areas through additional funding and partnerships.