CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region 3 has logged zero cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Central Luzon this year.
While this is a positive development, the agency warns that vigilance remains essential to sustain the region’s progress in protecting women’s rights.
CHR 3 Promotion and Advocacy Division Chief Ysobel Maria Rivera stressed that GBV remains a serious issue, and proactive measures must continue.
“Actually, there are still cases though they are not reported or documented. Despite all our efforts, policies, and laws, discrimination and violence against women and other genders still happen in our society,” she said.
With this, Rivera highlighted the agency’s commitment to track cases of violence against women and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders.
“At CHR 3, we handle promotional advocacy activities such as providing training, seminars, and workshops to different national and local governments, and other stakeholders. We also collaborate with civil society organizations who are our partners in the promotion and protection of human rights for all,” she said.
As part of its intensified monitoring, she said CHR is also closely working with local government units and the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center to track cases of gender-based violence.
“If we look at Central Luzon, we see strong efforts to uphold women’s rights, including education drives, information campaigns, training, and seminars,” Rivera pressed.
Beyond monitoring, CHR is expanding its services to encourage victims and witnesses to report abuses by offering legal assistance, investigating human rights violations, and providing policy recommendations to enhance protection.
The agency is also pushing for stricter penalties against GBV offenders so that people will have more respect for the law.
“We advocate for stronger policies and ordinances that eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against all genders,” Rivera said.
Meanwhile, to make reporting more accessible, CHR launched the CHR MISMO Serbisyong Oramismo (www.mismo.chr.gov.ph), an online complaints system that allows individuals to file reports anytime, anywhere.
“CHR Region III also maintains an active Facebook page and hotline numbers, and our regional office in San Fernando [Pampanga] remains open for walk-in consultations,” she said.
As CHR intensifies its monitoring and advocacy efforts, Rivera remains hopeful that their work will contribute to a safer, more equitable society.
“We strive for a society where women’s rights are upheld, and every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from discrimination and abuse,” she said.
She also reiterated CHR’s appeal to the public to report cases of abuse and discrimination, ensuring that women’s rights remain protected and that perpetrators are held accountable. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)