Speaker Lord Allan Velasco vows to further promote human rights to adequate food and equal opportunities during the commemoration of Human Rights Consciousness Week at the House of Representatives.

The observance of the Human Rights Consciousness Week was in accordance to Republic Act 9201, which seeks to promote basic and fundamental rights as well as human rights culture for sustainable development in the country.

Held every December 4 to 10, this year’s event was lead by Velasco.

“Today, we gather together in the midst of a deadly pandemic, in the midst of proliferation of fake news, hunger, and disrespect for the rights of women, children, and members of LGBT+ and IP (indigenous people) communities. But in the midst of this darkness, light persists,” he said during the flag ceremony on Monday.

“We gather together every year to mark Human Rights Week because we believe that there can be no lasting prosperity without respect for human rights,” he added.

As the newly appointed Speaker of the House, Velasco shared that he has been focusing on the legislation of the Right to Adequate Food Bill and the proposed Anti-Ethnic, Racial and Religious Discrimination Act.

The Right to Adequate Food Bill states that people suffering from hunger or undernutrition shall be given sufficient amount of food depending on their age, sex, health status and occupation while the Anti-Ethnic, Racial and Religious Discrimination Act directs agencies, corporations, companies and educational institutions to establish a Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Committee.

This year’s celebration of Human Rights Consciousness is held from December 7 to 11 with the theme, “Recover Better, Stand Up for Human Rights: We Heal As One”.

Photo Credit: Facebook/House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco