On May 9, PAHRA held an interactive livestream reflecting on its origins and impact, focusing on its history, leadership, and advocacy. The event was broadcast via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Rommel Yamzon introduced the topic, "PAHRA sa Masa," highlighting the importance and principles of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA). He explained that the program aimed to orient the public about PAHRA, its mission, and its ongoing commitment to human rights and dignity. The resource persons were introduced, beginning with Renato Boyet Mabunga, who has extensive experience in human rights advocacy and organizational development. Next was Budit Carlos, known for his international lobbying efforts and previous work with the Balay Rehabilitation Center and the Commission on Human Rights. Finally, Rose Trajano, is active in various human rights organizations and served as PAHRA's secretary general.


From PHRC to PAHRA


Mabunga discussed PAHRA's origins as the Philippine Human Rights Council (PHRC) in 1986 after the EDSA Revolution, emphasizing its role in creating a unified voice for the human rights movement. Rose Trajano highlighted PAHRA's coordination efforts during crises and its adaptability in engaging with different government regimes. Budit Carlos reflected on PAHRA's history of unifying social movements and its ongoing role as a watchdog for human rights.


Global Advocacy, Legislative Reform, and Overcoming Challenges


The speakers discussed PAHRA's role in coordinating various human rights initiatives, engaging with different administrations, and advocating for policy and legislative reforms. They emphasized PAHRA's international engagement, including participation in international human rights organizations and submitting reports for the Universal Periodic Review. Challenges such as funding constraints, political context, and organizational sustainability were also addressed, along with the importance of collective efforts and youth leadership.


Inspiration, Gratitude, Engagement


The speakers offered inspirational words and reflections on their experiences with PAHRA, expressing gratitude to its members and emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement and organizational development.


Trajano recalled the difficulty of being a Secretary General but was thankful for her experience, “Napakahirap maging Sec. Gen. ng isang network at ng isang alliance na halo-halo at iba-iba ang mga pananaw na may nagbibigkis naman ng karapatang pantao dahil do’n talaga lumakas ‘yong kakayahan ko talaga na mag-balanse at mag-manage ng isang alliance na nagkakaroon kayo ng consensus, napalakas sa akin ‘yon. Pangawala, lumakas din ang loob kong magsalita kahit ang kaharap ko ay pulis at militar, o international man ‘yan, mga ambassador man ‘yan, o mga ministers man ‘yan nahasa ako ng PAHRA kasi nabigyan ako ng opurtunidad na hindi ko akalaing kakayanin ko pala pero gano’n ‘yong malaking na-i-contribute sa akin ng PAHRA. At siyempre ‘yong iba’t-ibang mga kakayahan at skills, even sa technology talagang mapipilitan kang mag-aral kung ikaw ay nasa isang gawain sa karapatang pantao kaya nagpapasalamat ako do’n sa PAHRA mula doon sa kauna-unahang mga nagtayo hanggang sa ngayon, sa lahat ng secretariat members at sa lahat ng miyembro ng PAHRA kasi nabigyan ako ng oppurtunity na makapaglingkod hindi lamang sa alliance kundi sa bayan natin Pilipinas.”


Carlos emphasized the importance of PAHRA’s role today, “Para sa akin ang naalala ko kasi dito sa ating sitwasyong kinaharap ngayon, Duterte tapos Marcos ay ‘yong ating mga nagbigay ng kanilang buhay no’ng panahon ng Marcos dictatorship. ‘Yon naman ang pinagmulan ng PAHRA. Para sa akin, I’m sure all of us here, do’n tayo patuloy na naghuhugot ng ating lakas in spite of this difficult situation kaya I cannot understate the importance of the role of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates in our society lalong-lalo na na naririto nanaman tayo sa kumunoy ng political repression.”


Finally, Mabunga expressed a desire for PAHRA to expand its membership, “Natutunan sa mga ordinaryong miyembro ng PAHRA at ng mga PAHRA organizations mas marami kasi nagiging klaro, nagiging tao ‘yong pakikipag-deal mo sa lahat. Hindi pare-pareho ‘yong pakikipag-deal sa lahat minsan nasusungitan ka, minsan naman nagmamakaawa ka. Sana mas maraming bagong mga miyembro, mga bata-bata na mga miyembro na papasok upang sa gano’n hindi mauubusan ng balon o tubig ang balon ng PAHRA kasi sabi nga natin continuous ang usapin ng human rights kaya habang tumatakbo ang panahon dapat may panibagong mga naeenganyo na ipagpatuloy kung ano man ‘yong nangyari o nagawa na ng mga nauna na sa atin. Sana’y tatagal pa at tatagal pa ang buhay ng PAHRA.”


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