by IPIL | Jun 10 2024
The Policy Center for Human Rights and Sustainable Development (PCHRSD) of the Institute for Policy Innovation and Leadership (IPIL) hosted the module launch of the project titled ‘Human Rights Starter Pack: A Human Rights Education Course-Pack Development Program’ on May 29, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Room E53, CASS New Building.
In partnership with the Xavier University Center for Legal Assistance (XUCLA) and funded by ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳-IIT’s Gender and Development Center (GADC), this project aimed to enhance human rights education through carefully developed modules. The activity was conducted both in person and via Zoom, including attendees from CASS Faculty Members, authors, and contributors of the module, representatives from different colleges, and the Chancellor.
For the opening remarks, the head of the policy center, Dr. Maria Pia Sison, emphasized the essential role of advancing human rights in achieving sustainable development, highlighting the significance of the human rights module. Following her, Chancellor Ditucalan praised the learning material for its experiential learning approach and expressed that this project inspired the next module focusing on mainstreaming sustainable development goals (SDGs).
As a former head of the policy center and coordinator of the project, Assoc. Prof. Lynrose Jane Genon presented the project's rationale and outline. She shared the importance of the “Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Bangsamoro Street Law Program,” which served as an inspiration for this project.
This new project involves a series of module development write-shops and capacity-building workshops to create learning resources for NSTP students. These resources aim to introduce basic knowledge of human rights, foster an appreciation for legal concepts, and emphasize the central role of human rights education in promoting gender equality, peace, and development.
As the director of XUCLA and project coordinator, Atty. Neri delivered a message underscoring the importance of education in the pursuit of justice, highlighting that laws alone are insufficient.
As a contributor to the module, Dr. Josefina Tabudlong stressed the fundamental importance of understanding human rights to human existence and in the enhancement of human life. Dr. Irish Mae Fernandez-Dalona, another contributor, emphasized the concept of transformation and the critical role of pedagogy in mainstreaming human rights.
As an author and reviewer of the module, Asst. Prof. Ian Embradura shared his experiences, expressing fulfillment in his contribution to the project. Representing Asst. Prof. Yasmira Moner from GADC, Ms. Sitty Aisah Pumbaya affirmed GADC's ongoing support for initiatives related to human rights, especially those promoting gender equality.
For the event’s conclusion, printed copies of the module and a photo opportunity were given to the participants. This event marked a significant step forward in the promotion and integration of human rights education.