Althea

Violence against women is one of the worst social problems facing the world and the Philippines. Results from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey indicate that almost 1 in 5 women experience emotional, physical, or sexual violence by their partner. This is where laws, including Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262, popularly referred to as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, play their role of protection of these women against these violations and promoting the gender equality principle. R.A. 9262 has been viewed as a landmark one as it criminalizes other forms of abuse against the women and children, including physical, psychological, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. It recognizes specific vulnerabilities of women in relationships, particularly intimate ones, and seeks to provide them with legal redress through protection orders, legal aid, and support services. This is important in the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women as it un...

Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, was a strong and visionary leader. He was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and grew up in simple beginnings that shaped his commitment to public service. As a young lawyer, he labored to help uplift the marginalized communities; he eventually became a representative, senator, and vice president before becoming the country's president in 1948. The leadership of Quirino was post-war rehabilitation, economic recovery, and social welfare. He promoted infrastructure rebuilding and strengthening international relations, which involved opening diplomatic relations with Japan and pursuing membership in the United Nations. His term also saw the establishment of the Central Bank of the Philippines, which helped stabilize the economy. Despite the criticisms that clouded his term, the legacy of Quirino in terms of strength of resilience and progress underlies his leadership. The storyline of his life reflects struggle and...

During this National Indigenous Peoples Month, 2024, as the theme "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan," underscores the importance of valorization, protection, and honour for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and their cultural heritages, this anniversary celebrates the 27th founding of IPRA, a landmark of law that protects the IP rights in the Philippines. This month-long celebration will push forward a rich history, traditions, and contributions of IP communities to be advanced through cultural shows, educational campaigns, and community dialogues nationwide with the aim of strengthening the appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems and practices. These events also brought to light issues that IPs were facing, such as issues on land disputes and even marginalization, and pushing to have their rights to self-determination and protection of ancestral domains. Commemoration reinforces the salient importance of inclusive development. The voice...

Climate change continues to remake the natural landscape of the Philippines and presents severe challenges to millions of Filipinos. The temperature is increasing, typhoons are getting more potent, and rainfall patterns are more unpredictable. Environmental changes are primarily due to three factors: deforestation, reliance on fossil fuels, and rapid urbanization. Resilience has become the new way of life among Filipinos. Communities in areas struck by calamities like Typhoon Haiyan, which is known as Yolanda, have rebuilt their homes and lives. However, despite how admirable resilience is, the problem requires sustainable solutions in mitigating future risks. Thus, disaster preparedness programs, in addition to education, should be able to adapt the Filipino people to a change in environmental conditions. The national and local governments must focus on green policies like renewable energy and better enforcement of environmental policies. This will address the root causes of climate c...

The 2024 National Children's Month celebration comes with a powerful and urgent theme: "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines." This year, the nation focuses on addressing alarming rates of violence against children - from physical abuse to online exploitation. Through heightened awareness and action, the campaign hopes to ensure every Filipino child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. This theme underscores collective responsibility, both by families, communities, and government institutions, toward protecting children. Such important programs include psychosocial support, school-based awareness campaigns, and digital literacy programs for the empowerment of children to be able to identify, report, and avoid abusive situations. Better cooperation between public and private sectors will mean better implementation of laws such as the Child Protection Act. The observance also reminds us that preventing violence be...

After all, it is Earth Month-the period when stocks are tallied and promises are made to do better. Easy to get lost in the sheer vastness of the many environmental challenges one faces at any given time, but not forget that each little bit matters. Here's what I have been doing for this month-to focus on making small changes in daily habits that will further reduce my environmental footprint. Plant a Tree - joined a community tree-planting initiative and planted a little sapling in our community garden Compost at Home - I have started collecting food wastes and yard wastes so the stuff won't end up in the dump, which becomes nutrient-rich soil. Reduce Use of Plastic - always carry reusable grocery bags and containers with me to the store and really make an effort to never use single-use plastics again. Dine in Restaurants Environmentally Responsible Practices - Eat at a restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients, organic if possible, to promote the idea of patronizing bu...