BALAOD Mindanaw

06/08/2026

BALAOD Mindanaw has always been an active part of the RIMTT in assessing Provincial and HUC LCAT-VAWCs in Region 10.

Together with partner agencies and LGUs, BALAOD has contributed to the effort in strengthening anti-trafficking and anti-VAWC mechanisms for more responsive and gender-sensitive governance.

𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗧𝗧, 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗟𝗖𝗔𝗧-𝗩𝗔𝗪𝗖 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Cagayan de Oro City, August 4, 2026 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 convened the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Team (RIMTT), composed of representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 10, Balaod Mindanaw Foundation, Inc., and DILG Region 10, to conduct the CY 2026 Functionality Assessment of the Provincial and Highly Urbanized City (HUC) Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC) at the DILG Regional Office 10.

The assessment involved a thorough evaluation of the submitted documentary requirements and means of verification to determine the functionality of the Provincial and HUC LCAT-VAWCs. Key governance areas assessed included committee organization, policy and planning, budget allocation, service delivery, capacity development, database management, and partnerships, in accordance with the standards prescribed under DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-181.

The activity strengthened inter-agency collaboration in assessing the functionality of local anti-trafficking and anti-VAWC mechanisms. It also provided an opportunity for partner agencies and local government units to identify areas for improvement and promote responsive, gender-sensitive, and child-friendly governance across Northern Mindanao. (𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝟭𝟬 𝗟𝗚𝗠𝗘𝗗 | 𝗗. 𝗖𝗲𝗷𝗮𝘀)

24/07/2026

BALAOD Mindanaw successfully spearheaded the iDEFEND Mindanao General Assembly 2026, held on June 27-28, 2026 at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City bringing together around 30 human rights defenders from the different member organizations of IDefend across Mindanao.

This year’s GA served as a venue in gathering data-driven updates on the human rights situation in Mindanao from IP, BARMM, Youth & Children, and Women sectors, consolidating inputs into the Draft Human Rights Situationer 2025, strengthening collaboration through collective planning, task-sharing, and capacity-building and reviewing the iDEFEND Mindanao Unified Action Plan .

As an annual gathering of human rights defenders, the iDEFEND Mindanaw General Assembly reaffirms the network's shared commitment to document human rights issues and violations, amplify the voices of affected communities, and undertake coordinated actions to protect and defend human rights across Mindanao.

For BALAOD Mindanaw, this gathering reflects its continuing commitment to legal empowerment, human rights protection, and participatory governance. Through its programs on paralegal formation, policy advocacy, and community-based legal empowerment, BALAOD works alongside grassroots communities and partner organizations to strengthen civic space, enhance access to justice, and build a more coordinated and rights-based response to emerging human rights challenges.

Together with iDEFEND Mindanaw, BALAOD remains steadfast in advancing solidarity, accountability, and collective action to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and that human rights are protected for all.

To every HRD who joined: Daghang salamat for your courage. The work continues.

08/07/2026

Daghang salamat EU-GO JUST!

Padayon, BALAOD Mindanaw!

03/07/2026

Thank you EU GOJUST.

Padayon, BALAOD Mindanaw!

🎉 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒!🎉

We are thrilled to officially introduce the first batch of successful grant recipients under the European Union in the Philippines - GOJUST program! These organizations will be leading the charge in advancing justice sector reform, human rights, and community empowerment.

Join us in celebrating our new Partners for Change:

👉 Window 1 (Civil Society & NGO Partners):

✅ BALAOD Mindanaw
✅ Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB), Inc.
✅ Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center
✅ Medical Action Group
✅ Philippine Children's Ministries Network
✅ PROCESS Foundation Panay, Inc.
✅ SALIGAN

👉 Window 2 (Academic & Institutional Partners):

✅ Ateneo de Zamboanga University Rosendo U. Castillo, Jr. College of Law
✅ Saint Columban College Pagadian

Be sure to follow our page in the coming weeks as we share more about these new grantees, their incredible work, and the impactful initiatives they are bringing to life.

This is only the beginning—another batch of successful grantees will be announced in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our page for updates!

Congratulations once again to our first batch. We look forward to achieving great milestones together! 🤝

01/07/2026

Kaisa ang BALAOD, bilang miyembro ng Alternative Law Groups (ALG), sa paninindigang ang tunay na katarungan ay nagbibigay ng kaligtasan at pag-asa...

ANG TUNAY NA KATARUNGAN AY NAGBIBIGAY NG KALIGTASAN AT PAG-ASA

Ang isang makatarungang lipunan ay kayang pangalagaan ang pareho.
Ang mga biktima ay nararapat sa agarang proteksiyon, hustisya, paghilom, at suporta. Kasabay nito, ang mga batang nasasangkot sa batas ay dapat managot sa paraang kinikilala ang kanilang pananagutan habang binibigyan sila ng pagkakataong magbago at muling maging bahagi ng lipunan.
Hindi nawawala ang katarungan kapag iginagalang ang karapatan ng bata. Sa halip, lalo itong tumitibay sapagkat ipinapakita nito na ang ating sistema ay nakabatay sa batas, hindi sa galit; sa pananagutan, hindi sa paghihiganti.
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THE ALTERNATIVE LAW GROUPS
The Alternative Law Groups is a coalition of 20 legal resource non-governmental organizations in the Philippines engaged in the dual work of empowering marginalized communities and effecting justice system reforms

19/06/2026

16/06/2026

With businesses increasingly shaping people's daily lives, BALAOD Mindanaw joined the Alternative Law Groups (ALG) in facilitating a one-day consultation on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Policy Formulation on June 8, 2026, at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, as part of collective efforts to advance corporate accountability and respect for human rights.

The said activity was attended by different CSOs, Labor Union officers, management level from at least 2 large-scale Corporations and government agencies. Atty. Sheila Formento, National Coordinator of ALG, presented the HRDD situationer, legal framework, and recommendations in the Philippines, while Atty. Khristine Kay Lazarito-Calingin, Executive Director of BALAOD, shared key findings and gaps from desk research.

This was the second of three regional consultations covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with the goal to develop a model HRDD policy that integrates business and human rights with environmental protection, gender equality, and indigenous rights, aligned with international standards. Unlike traditional risk management that focuses on risks to companies, HRDD centers on risks to workers and communities.

BALAOD Mindanaw stressed that companies must shift to proactive protection of human and environmental rights — preventing legal conflict, operational disruption, and reputational damage before it happens. HRDD will serve as the legal basis for corporate accountability and human rights protection within CSR frameworks.

BALAOD Mindanaw continues to advocate for responsible business conduct, justice, and equality in the workplace.

12/06/2026

Isang mapagpalayang araw, Pilipinas!

27/05/2026

23/05/2026

BALAOD Mindanaw stands and walks in solidarity with the IDPs of Marawi and other partner organizations, united in purpose to amplify the call for a safe and dignified return. Nine years has been too long—now is the time to honor commitments and turn promises into action, so families can finally rebuild their lives at home.