In collaboration with The Asia Foundation, SEMEK Cordillera Human Rights Hub, through its convenor, Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law (SOL) Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM CLAO), held the Human Rights Competition Series and “Aklas Pelikula” events from 24 to 25 March 2026.
According to CLAO Vice President for Externals and Project Head, law student Jenna Karlyn Sumineg, the goal of the event was to raise awareness about human rights and its sociopolitical impact and scope. Additionally, she expounded on the competition’s tagline, “Art is Never Quiet” stating, “We should not limit ourselves to usual platforms in raising awareness, but at the same time, use creative means to create lasting impact to the community.” She also highlighted the hub’s different activities like the free legal-assistance programs, “Lakbay Aral”, and the “Aklas Pelikula” film screening.
Human Rights Competition Series
The Human Rights Competition Series consisted of four major categories: On-the-spot Essay Writing, Traditional Poster Making, Digital Poster Making and Documentary Making. All of the competitions were open to youth aged 15-30, under the general theme of “Human Rights”, all centered on addressing gaps in human rights and amplifying advocacy messages.
The essay writing contest and the traditional poster making events were held at the American Corner Baguio, Msgr. Charles Vath Library Building and the Law Library, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus on 24 March. The digital poster-making and documentary making entries, on the other hand, were submitted online on 23 March 2026.
“Aklas Pelikula” Film Screening
On 25 March 2026, the “Aklas Pelikula” film screening and the Competition Series’ awarding ceremony were held at the Cinema 2, SM Baguio.
The event officially began with opening remarks from SLU SOL Dean Yasmine Lee Tadeo who underscored the significance of film and its ability to cultivate intellectual humility among its audiences and break echo chambers. She emphasized that humility is the greatest tool among human rights defenders, “We do not seek to manipulate, but to resonate”, Atty. Tadeo remarked.
The first film titled “Delikado” (2022), directed by Karl Malakunas, focused on the environmental implications of human rights. It follows the lives of the para-enforcers in Palawan who protect the province from illegal logging and illegal fishing while opposing corporations and political powers, in the midst of the war on drugs.
The second film titled, “11,103” (2022), directed by Miguel Alcarzen and Jeanette Ifurung shed light on stories from the 11,103 Martial Law victims and The Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 (Republic Act. No. 10368), which mandates compensation for the victims or their successors.
Ms. Sumineg described that both films purposefully featured drastically different themes, while still centering on human rights, as this reflected the immense purview of human rights in the Philippine context.
After the screening, representatives of the Active Vista Center, an institution for human rights education and training, led the Talkback Session. The panel members consisted of Festival and Outreach Program Director, Alex Poblete, and Program Manager for Public Advocacy, Mark Fortaleza. They provided the audience with insights on documentary-making and how to push effective narratives through film.
SEMEK Competition Series: Awarding Program
Awarding ceremonies were held after the film screening. Below is the complete list of winners in the four categories.
Essay-Writing
1st Place: Zamia Quiros- “Voices through the Summit: Human Rights Defenders in a Time of Immortality”
2nd Place: Vhin Andreau Ilasin – “Human Rights Defenders are Pillars of Democracy”
3rd Place: Louise Clowie Estrella Lubangco – “The Womb of Democracy”
Digital Poster Making
1st Place: Jaimee Estefan Pahilan
2nd Place: Louise Gabrielle Abing
3rd Place: Louise Clowie Estrella Lubangco
Traditional Poster Making
1st Place: Erica Jill Garcia
2nd Place: Jocelyn Ramos
3rd Place: Jimros Bana-ang
Documentary Making
1st Place: Manilie Teston – “Full Tank, Empty Pockets”
2nd Place : Januen Buendia – “Market Market”
3rd Place: Alexon Philip Budas, Hyara Estela Saltiban – “Bunga ng Karapatan”
The event concluded with the closing statements by Ms. Sumineg, extending her gratitude to the participants and the partners who made this initiative possible.
These activities further embodied SEMEK’s purpose as Cordillera’s human rights hub, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). (Article by Kassandra Marie Lucero | Photos by John Aaron Bagni)
