The City Government of San Fernando, La Union took part in the Training Workshop on Human Rights Cities at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center from June 2 to 4, 2026.

Organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR), the Commission on Human Rights Region 1 (CHR RO1), and the City Government of San Fernando, La Union, the three-day workshop gathered local government officials, civil society organizations, the Local People’s Council, the Human Rights Action Team, and other stakeholders to strengthen the integration of human rights principles into local governance and public service delivery.

The workshop formally opened with remarks from CHR RO1 Regional Director Atty. Harold D. Kub-aron and UN OHCHR National Human Rights Officer Ms. Mariecris V. Araga. City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto likewise delivered the keynote message, welcoming the participants and reaffirming San Fernando’s commitment to advancing human dignity, equality, and inclusive development.

Throughout the activity, Ms. Araga served as the lead facilitator for sessions on human rights concepts and principles, national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, participation, linkage to human rights standards, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment, and transparency.

Meanwhile, Atty. Kub-aron discussed the role of National Human Rights Institutions in promoting and protecting human rights and their engagement with international human rights mechanisms.

Participants also engaged in plenary discussions, self-assessment exercises, workshops, and group activities designed to translate human rights principles into practical policies, programs, and services at the local level.

These sessions emphasized accountability, participation, empowerment, inclusion, and good governance as essential components of a Human Rights City. In addition, the training workshop reinforced the City Government’s commitment to fostering a responsive and people-centered government here in our #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.