As part of the implementation of City Ordinance 2025-17, also known as the Continuing Human Rights Education Ordinance, the City Government of San Fernando, La Union (CGSFLU), collaborated with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR), and other partners to become a human rights city. This was discussed during an action meeting held in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall on August 13, 2025.

The City Administrator, Atty. Gilbert L. Caloza, in his welcome remarks, emphasized the purpose of the ordinance — to make the City of San Fernando, La Union, a role model in promoting human rights.

Meanwhile, Atty. Maria Nadia Nalinac V. Gonzales-Pilar, the City Legal Officer, highlighted that the CGSFLU aims to have a framework, set of indicators, and standards that demonstrate the city’s commitment to human rights. She also mentioned that the city is deliberate in adopting human rights principles as key governance norms and in ensuring residents understand and can discuss human rights, promoting a culture centered on human rights.

To achieve these goals, Atty. Erwin Caliba, Division Chief of the Legal, Legislative, and Government Division of the CHR, delivered a brief presentation on the framework of a human rights city. Atty. Caliba also emphasized that human rights matter in local government units because they help build trust, ensure access to services, improve service quality, and increase responsiveness among constituents.

As a positive step for the city government, Ms. Mariecris Araga, the National Human Rights Officer of the UN-OHCHR, expressed her support for the city’s initiative. To start the journey of the City of San Fernando toward becoming a Human Rights City, Ms. Araga also committed to facilitating a needs assessment and training to equip the city with the necessary skills to promote human rights and achieve recognition as a Human Rights City effectively. The UN OHCHR will fully fund these activities.

Representatives from the CHR – Region 1, led by Regional Director Atty. Harold D. Kub-aron, as well as members of the City of San Fernando Police Station, the City Department of the Interior and Local Government, Saint Louis College, and the Local People’s Council through LORMA Community Development Foundation, Inc., also attended the meeting.

As a #PeoplesCity, let us work together to elevate our efforts for social justice as we continue human rights education here in #SanFernandoTayo.