The capacity of local Katarungang Pambarangay networks in Cebu City and Davao City was further strengthened through the Training of Trainers (ToT) by the Ateneo Human Rights Center, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO). AHRC concludes its series of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Enhanced Katarungang Pambarangay Training Manual, holding the final ToT under Phase 2 of its Katarungang Pambarangay Project in Cebu City last 13-14 June 2024 at Marco Polo Cebu Plaza Hotel, Cebu City.

Following the successful implementation of first ToT early last year and the ToT in Davao City in May, the ToT was designed to capacitate trainers by increasing their knowledge of using the Enhanced Katarungang Pambarangay Training Manual and skills in effectively facilitating Katarungang Pambarangay trainings in the future.

The program opened with the Welcome Remarks delivered by NBOO Office-in-Charge Atty. Izza Mari Laurio. Atty. Laurio highlighted the vital role of the Katarungang Pambarangay as it provides a mechanism for amicable settlement in a barangay level. It brings peace and unity in the barangay, the smallest unit of government and considered as the heart and soul of the nation. 

“This engagement involving the pursuit of justice through the Katarungang Pambarangay is a continuous process,” said AHRC Program Manager, Atty. Paula Estrella in her opening remarks.

The participants were in learning sessions spearheaded by AHRC Staff Lawyer Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, Atty. Araceli Habaradas of the Ateneo Law School, Atty. Cathy Alvarez of Street Law Philippines, Atty. Sheila Grace Formento of the Alternative Law Groups, and Atty. Marianne Agunoy of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

The sessions include a Rundown of Enhanced Katarungang Pambarangay Training Manual, Access to Justice, Human Rights-Based Approach to Katarungang Pambarangay,  Participatory approach, Training Needs Assessment (TNA), Training Materials and Techniques, The Art of Facilitation (Facilitation skills), and Program Evaluation.

The selected participants for the ToT came from DILG Region VI Office, DILG Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City offices, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region IV Office, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Bohol Office, the Cebu Justice Zone, and representatives from the University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance and FORGE Inc.