Isabela State University (ISU) and the Commission on Human Rights Region II (CHR R02) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) on November 5, 2025 at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague Campus.
The Center for Human Rights Education aims to serve as a social laboratory for innovations in human rights education, encouraging awareness, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that contribute to nurturing a culture of respect for human dignity and rights within the University and in various community settings.
Furthermore, the Center aims to establish, develop, strengthen, and continuously operate a dynamic hub for human rights education. Through this initiative, the CHRE will implement programs and activities that engage faculty, staff, and students across the areas of instruction, research, and community extension.
The signing ceremony was led by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) and Atty. Jimmy P. Baliga (Regional Director, CHR R02), with University and campus officials, and CHR representatives serving as witnesses to the collaboration.
Under the signed agreement, the University, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, will lead in integrating human rights concepts and principles into its curricula, training, and instructional materials; conduct education and advocacy activities for students, faculty, staff, and community partners; undertake research to strengthen human rights education; and extend its efforts to communities through capacity-building initiatives, including the establishment of Barangay Human Rights Action Centers (BHRACs) and programs addressing the needs of vulnerable sectors.
In preparation of this partnership, the CHR conducted an orientation program last June 2025 for the proposed establishment of the said center to engage key stakeholders in shaping its vision and foundational goals.
In his message during the event, Dr. Batang affirmed that education is the most powerful tool to nurture respect for life, equality, and freedom, and that the Center would serve as a hub for dialogue, research, advocacy, and empowerment to help communities become champions of human rights.
“As we formalize this partnership, let us be reminded that the work ahead calls for courage, compassion, and collaboration. We are hoping that this center inspires a generation of learners and leaders who will stand for truth, uphold justice, and build a society where every person’s rights are recognized and therefore respected,” Dr. Batang said.
On the other hand, Atty. Baliga commended the University for its openness and strong support for the initiative, stating that by entering into the partnership, ISU affirmed the vital role of education in shaping future leaders who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also compassionate, just, and respectful of human dignity.
The MOA Signing is an effort in the University’s ongoing commitment to socially responsive education and CHR’s mission to promote a human rights–based approach in all sectors of society. Together, both institutions hope that the partnership will strengthen the awareness and practice of human rights at the grassroots and academic levels across the Cagayan Valley Region.
