The Office of the President presented a plaque of appreciation to the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for its significant contribution to all phases of the development of the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4) during a ceremony in Pasay City, December 10.
The formulation of the PHRP4, aimed at strengthening the country’s human rights framework, was led by the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Launched on International Human Rights Day, the PHRP4 marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the dignity, equality, and rights of all individuals. The launch also highlights the nation’s dedication to its international human rights obligations.
The recognition specifically acknowledged the meaningful involvement of the NAPC Basic Sectors in collaboration with national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, people’s organizations, and development partners. It also showed NAPC’s support to the PHRP4 Core Team.
Additionally, the award acknowledged the basic sectors’ contributions to regional multi-stakeholder consultations, ensuring that the country’s human rights framework reflects and responds to the aspirations of the Filipino people.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator of the Philippines announced that the PHRP4 is one of three key initiatives launched by the Philippine government in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva.
Undersecretary Severo Catura, Executive Director of the PHRCS, joined Executive Secretary Bersamin in presenting the awards. NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III and Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Villaflor accepted the plaque on behalf of the Commission.
Other lead and support agencies, along with partners involved in the development of the PHRP4, were also recognized with plaques of appreciation from the PHRCS. These included the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, National Economic and Development Authority, Presidential Commission on Women, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Council on Disability Affairs, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Department of Migrant Workers.
