SSC Sparks Awareness on Democracy and Human Rights
Photo by Keith Ayuman
On day two of the Central Visayas Network of NGOs (CENVISNET) 11th general assembly, the USC Supreme Student Council, in collaboration with CENVISNET and Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), invited participants from different universities, youth and civil society organizations to attend the Regional Consultation on the Status and Future of Philippine Democracy on April 28, 2017.
The consultation was held in order to open dialogue to students in hopes of heightening their awareness of the ills that afflict the country and their implication to democracy. It also served as an opportunity to allow people to understand the university’s position towards those issues after being criticized due to the series of protests conducted during the school year.
With the cases of extra-legal killings, possible imposition of death penalty and lowering of the minimal age of criminal responsibility, the forum traces its relevance on the present plight of the country. CODE-NGO Executive Director, Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet, gave a glimpse of the status and future of Philippine democracy.
“Where there is a right, there is a duty,” Mr. Leo Villarino, Special Investigator IV of the Commission on Human Rights, emphasized on the call to end a climate of impunity where violation of rights is concerned. The last speaker to grace the event was Mr. Lenbi Laborte, Regional Convener of the National Youth Parliament for Region 7. For his discussion on #YouthTalk, Laborte shed light on the youth’s development plan and participation in governance processes.
“We want to produce more advocates in USC,” SSC Councilor, Jamil Adiong, responded when asked about the SSC’s plans and programs in relation to democracy and human rights. According to him, they will continue to partner with CENVISNET in campaigning for human rights and democracy. He also talked about ABTIK Carolinian and the possible integration of these causes to the program.
