The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has kicked off Phase 2 of Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan, or LaKarAn, in Region X–Northern Mindanao, with a series of engagements held on September 17-18, 2025, in Cagayan de Oro City. The event was led by CHR Commissioner and Spokesperson Beda A. Epres, alongside CHR Region X Regional Director Atty. Jeanne Ivy F. Abrina and the CHR Region X team. The activities included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with four academic institutions, a media forum, courtesy visits to security institutions, and learning sessions on human rights. The initiative aims to advance human rights awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level, providing a platform for dialogue with communities, local leaders, and the media. Commissioner Epres expressed optimism about the start of LaKarAn Phase 2, stating that it allows the CHR to listen to the voices on the ground and respond to the real human rights needs of communities. The event also included a Human Rights Action Center Summit, a CHR–LGU Advocacy Forum, a CSO Forum, and a Community-Based Dialogue, which provided space for civil society organizations to raise concerns and explore avenues for collaboration with the CHR. LaKarAn is a flagship initiative of CHR Chairperson Richard L. Palpal-latoc, and it serves as a platform for the Commission to better understand and respond to the human rights situation on the ground.
