The Leyte Normal University (LNU) here became the first educational institution in the province to forge a partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for the establishment of a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE).

The partnership was formalized on Friday through a memorandum of agreement, led by CHR Eastern Visayas Officer-in-Charge Director Joy Sodusta and LNU president Dr. Gil Nicetas Villarino.

“Human rights education goes beyond classroom instruction and must be reflected in institutional policies and daily interactions within the university community,” Villarino said.

A CHRE is a specialized unit established in higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide to promote, teach, and conduct research on human rights, including integration into programs such as the National Service Training Program.

Sodusta expressed gratitude for LNU’s collaboration with CHR, saying the creation of the center will further strengthen efforts to cultivate a culture rooted in respect for human dignity.

Other HEIs in Eastern Visayas with established CHREs are Biliran Province State University, Northwest Samar State University, Eastern Samar State University and Samar State University.

Following the ceremonial signing, officials and stakeholders took part in an action planning session aimed at operationalizing the center and integrating human rights principles into the university’s instruction, research, and extension programs.

Both institutions said the partnership underscores their shared commitment to advancing human rights education, promoting academic excellence anchored on social responsibility, and advocating respect for human dignity through the establishment of the CHRE. (PNA)