The #SafeInCustody National Speech Competition, a collaborative effort between the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), the Association for the Prevention of Torture, and the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), unfolded on December 11, 2023, at the CHRP Session Hall. This event saw 12 university students take the stage, delivering powerful and hope-based speeches under the theme “Everyone should be safe in custody.”

Aligned with the International Human Rights Day and marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR@75), this competition resonated deeply, aiming to reshape public perceptions and reject torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement. It catered to objective 3 of the Safe In Custody project, fostering human rights awareness and engaging the younger generation in this critical initiative.

Initially drawing 38 participants aged 18-25 from various educational institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the competition shortlisted 15 finalists who presented compelling speeches. Topics ranged from the necessity of confessions in police investigations to the societal impact of corporal punishment on children and broader themes encompassing torture’s unacceptability and the role of education in its prevention.

The winners emerged with Emmanuelle Glyde Suycano securing 1st place, Bernadette Fae Taroc claiming 2nd place, and James Ryan Cachola earning 3rd place honors. Recognizing their outstanding contributions, the 1st place recipient received Php10,000.00, the 2nd place received Php7,500.00, and the 3rd place received Php5,000.00. Moreover, the top two winners will advance to the Regional Speech Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, competing against champions from Thailand and Malaysia in January 2024.

A panel of judges, comprising Mika Ortega, a social change communication strategist, Ms. Angie Umbac from the CHRP Advocacy Division, and Vic Obina, a TFDP Human Rights Education staff, meticulously evaluated the participants’ speeches.

Ahead of the competition, all shortlisted candidates underwent a comprehensive briefing session on Hope-Based Communication. Facilitated by Mika Ortega on December 1, 2023, this preparatory workshop aimed to refine their speech approaches, ensuring alignment with the Safe in Custody project’s overarching objectives.

The event not only celebrated the eloquence and passion of young advocates but also reiterated the urgent need to reject torture and champion human rights in society, marking a pivotal stride in the ongoing Safe In Custody project.