The workshops' main objective is to empower the Bangsamoro women and youth by providing them the intellectual skills for broader participation in leadership and governance and to protect them from economic marginalization , political subordination, gender stereotyping and violence.

          Now in its segment on human rights and appropriately being conducted at the central office of the CHRP, Chair Quisumbing took the opportunity to address the participants.

          She offered to continue the human rights seminars at the regional level, not only in Muslim Mindanao, but nationwide.   Chair Quisumbing also pledged to draft a Memorandum of Understanding with the concerned stakeholders to strengthen these activities.

          "We can be committed to give human rights trainings in the different regions", she assured the participants.

          With these commitments in place, the 'summer camp' is ensured to go on into the rainy season, and further onward after next year.

           As the CHRP's continued thrust to provide the public with sufficient information on the common set and indicators on the Right to Adequate Food and Water (RTAFW), the First RBA Orientation Seminar on RTAFW was conducted on May 14, 2004 at ITCAF Conference Room, DA Compound, Quezon City.   It focused on the "Rights-Based Approach (RBA) In Civil Society and Government Planning Mainstreaming Right to Adequate Food and Water".

          This was the result of series of meetings of the CHRP NGO, Civil Society and Media Cooperation Office (NCSMCO) Linkages Division with government agencies and NGO networks involved in the compliance of the RTAFW.   This day-long activity aimed to elevate RBA awareness, to support implementation of food and water rights and to promote appreciation of RBA on the role of government agencies tasked at implementing General Covenant No.12, ICESCR, known as the Right to Food .

          No less than DA Secretary Luis P. Lorenzo said that the activity helped intensify appreciation of RBA on the role of DA as the focal agency to implement the above-cited HR instrument.  

          Known human rights advocate, Mr. Max de Mesa together with Dr. Aurora Parong , Mr. Ruel Vilarde , Mr. Armando Paragat , all from NGO sectors, CHRP Director Anita M. Chauhan , and NNC Executive Director Elisa M. Bayani , served as the speakers, while CHRP Chairperson Purificacion Valera Quisumbing gave her closing message for the seminar citing the state obligations on human rights and its role in governance and development.

          A total of 63 participants, mostly planning and information officers, from the Department of Agriculture (DA); Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); National Nutrition Council (NNC); Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI); Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA); Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Products Standard (BAFPS), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), National Food Authority (NFA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC), National Irrigation Administration (NIR), Bureau of Agriculture Research and Philippine Carabao Center (BARPC) and at least 18 NGOs from the umbrella group of Philippine National Liaison Committee (PNLC);attended the orientation.