Balay Youth Partners Awarded During BHRAC Anniversary Celebration

Two youth partners of Balay were among those who were awarded by the Barangay Council  of Barangay Bagong Silang in Caloocan City for their creative outputs during the art contest to commemorate the third year of establishment of the Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) on August 24, 2015.  Bumbong Marbano and Jobel Del Mundo, who are both learners in the Alternative Learning System Program (ALS) of Balay, obtained medals and consolation prizes for their posters that captured the theme  “Committing Ourselves to Human Rights Everyday.”   

Balay members and other partner also joined the solidarity march that started from Phase II of the barangay until it reached the Barangay Hall. Community public servants, residents, and members of civil society organizations participated in the anniversary program to show their support for the BHRAC despite the heavy rain.

A representative from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauded the BHRAC for its continued public service since it was formed in collaboration with Balay three years ago. Among the achievements of that  partnership was the training of the first batch of barangay staff, community leaders, peacekeepers (“tanods”) who  served as pioneers in human rights work in the barangay. 

The BHRAC has also documented reports of human rights violations by community residents and refer them to the CHR for further investigation and legal action.