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Showing posts from November, 2024

Initiatives and Laws to Prevent Violence Against Women

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Violence Against Women (VAW) is one of the major global problems, a global problem that cuts across borders and civilizations including in the Philippines. Based on the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, almost one out of five Filipino women has been subjected to emotional, physical, or sexual violence from a partner. Such statistics is a concerning factor as VAW needs to be addressed because it is not only a gross violation of human rights of women but also engenders a society that is characterized by violence, inequalities and backwardness. Internationally and in the Philippines, several programs and legal mandates have been established to address VAW and assist the victims. One of these is the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women which is held every year and aims to sensitize and advocate against VAW. This campaign highlights the significance of laws such as the Republic Act (R.A.) 9262 which is the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. This ...

President Elpidio Quirino’s Life

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  Elpidio Quirino is a politician from the Philippines and served as the sixth president of the country. He was born in 1890 and passed away in 1956. To help pay for his studies, Quirino worked as a teacher and a clerk in the family of modest resources. A law practitioner, he went on to earn a degree in law from the University of the Philippines in 1915. Following this, Quirino played an active role in politics after being elected to the Philippine Legislature in 1919. Among other positions, he served as a senator, secretary of finance, and secretary of foreign affairs. Manuel Roxas, the President of the Philippines, appointed Quirino as the country’s Vice President in 1946. Following the death of Roxas in 1948, Quirino took over the presidency. Quirino dedicated his administration to reconstructing the country after World War II. He raised the economic, and sociopolitical facets of the president's post between 1948 and 1953. There was a strong emphasis on the needs of the poor and...

Indigenous Peoples Month

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The Philippines has a "Indigenous Peoples Month" to celebrate and enhance the country's richness in culture, heritage, and their contributions. This year's theme for the month, *Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana* (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), marks the celebration of the **27th Anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)**. Enacted in 1997, the IPRA protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples over ancestral domains, cultural integrity, and the right to self-determination as stewards of traditions and biodiversity. This year's celebration manifests the continued need to protect these communities from cultural erosion and exploitation and affirms the commitment of the country towards justice and equal rights for IPs. The observance is also part of the distribution and promotion of knowledge concerning the contribution of Indigenous Peoples to society, not to mention ...

Climate Change and Resiliency of Filipinos

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  The Philippines, as an archipelagic nation, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. One of the predominant reasons for sudden environmental changes is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Typhoons, such as Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, have become more destructive, leaving widespread devastation in their wake. These calamities are fueled by rising sea surface temperatures, which provide more energy for storms. The immediate impact on Filipinos is catastrophic: loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. Progressive environmental changes, such as sea level rise, also pose a severe threat. With a significant portion of the population residing in coastal regions, rising sea levels lead to chronic flooding, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources. This gradual change exacerbates poverty and displaces communities, forcing them to migrate and adapt to new, often more precarious li...

Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.

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  The 2024 National Children's Month (NCM) celebration centers around the theme *“Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”* This theme underscores the urgent need to address various forms of violence and abuse that children face, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence. The campaign aims to empower communities, families, and institutions to prioritize child protection, ensuring every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. By highlighting these issues, the celebration seeks to inspire collective action toward creating a society where children's rights are upheld and safeguarded. This year's theme also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of prevention. Efforts include raising awareness through education campaigns, strengthening laws and policies, and providing accessible support systems for victims. Collaboration among government agencies, non-government organizations, schools, and local co...