By KIMBERLIE QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio, together with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), recognized human rights defenders and advocates during the flag ceremony at the Baguio City Hall today, Feb. 26, a day after the anniversary of the EDSA People Power.

Executive Secretary to the mayor Samantha Hamada said the city government recognizes its people for standing for human rights in their own way. She said these advocates lend their voices to achieve the greater good of all without resorting to violence.

The awardees are Jill Cariño for her continuing defense of indigenous peoples’ rights; John Paredes for standing up for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially during the pandemic lockdowns; and lawyer Reynaldo Cortes for defending the rights of the people, especially the marginalized sectors.

Also recognized are City Councilors Arthur L. Allad-iw and Jose Molintas.

Allad-iw, a PWD, and Molintas, a human rights lawyer, continue to work for the legislation of ordinances that would ensure the recognition and protection of human rights despite being at the receiving end of red-baiting.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong called the awardees “beacons of light” in the fight against injustice and oppression, especially for their sectors. “May you inspire more in the way you have touched the Baguio community to be one with you in ensuring the democracy we are enjoying will continue to reign,” the mayor said.

CHR Chairperson Richard Palpallatoc said that more than the awardees, the event also recognizes the many unsung heroes, past and present, “who dedicated their lives upholding the principles of democracy.” He added that the people of Baguio and the Cordillera are not new to this, as demonstrated by their “unwavering commitment to democracy in the past.”

Palpallatoc said that human rights defenders’ and advocates’ names are usually not engraved in marble or the halls of power. “However, because of their courage and bravery against tyranny and injustice they have sculpted a place in our hearts and made an imprint in our minds,” he stated.

Palpallatoc said the recognition is not just for the awarded individuals but for the “formidable strength” and “indomitable spirit” they represent. He also stated that in pursuing human rights, they continue the legacy of their forebears who fought for the freedoms that the present generations now enjoy.

“Their resolve to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may be, is a call to action that each of us must heed and brace,” the CHR chairperson said.

He reiterated that defending human rights is not just for the people of today but also for the generations yet to come.

Cariño, an Ibaloi from one of the recognized clans in Baguio, welcomed the recognition as she commended the Baguio City government for declaring the city an inclusive human rights city.

“I commend the City Government for this groundbreaking resolution declaring Baguio as an Inclusive Human Rights City. It is a big help in counteracting human rights violations and terrorist-tagging of human rights defenders,” she said.

For the past 40 years, Cariño has worked for various organizations at the local, national, and international levels for the respect and recognition of fundamental human rights. She is the chairperson of the board of Trustees of the Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines. She is also the vice chairperson for external affairs of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA).

The Anti Terrorism Council’s (ATC) listing of her husband, Steve Tauli, a pioneer of the anti-Chico dams struggle during Martial Law and CPA regional council member, as a terrorist continues to threaten his safety and their family’s safety. Together with the three other CPA leaders included in the terrorist list, they continue to challenge the ATC’s accusation amid the dangers they face.

Amid their difficulties, Cariño expressed her willingness to continue working for human rights and looks forward to working with the city government.

“I also look forward to cooperating more closely with the City Government to uphold, promote and protect the human rights of all democratic sectors, including workers, students, urban poor, farmers, professionals and indigenous peoples,” she said.

Paredes thanked the city government for recognizing “our efforts and contributions in the promotion of human rights of the vulnerable sectors, especially persons with disabilities.”

“Small steps they may be but they serve as beginnings of a long journey towards a truly inclusive society,” he added.

According to Paredes, he is honored to work with his fellow advocates toward building a disabled-friendly Philippines where PWDs can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Paredes is the president of the Pines City Federation of Persons with Disabilities. # nordis.net